The executive chef at Tsogo Sun‘s Sandton Convention Centre has been elected as the president of the South African Chefs Association.
James Khoza has been elected as the first South African born and trained president of the association since its inception 44 years ago. The election process is through votes cast by the association’s nearly 10 000 members across South Africa.
Khoza had been serving as vice president of the association.
The association is a non-profit industry body that represents the interests of chefs, cooks, and caterers at all levels, with a focus on skills development, the celebration of culinary professionals, and transforming the industry.
The president is tasked with heading the association’s governing body and board of directors, providing direction for its various initiatives, including the South African Culinary Olympics team.
Khoza said he aimed to further the association’s work in building a space for development, in ensuring equal opportunity, and improving standards in the industry through training and mentorship.
In accepting his new position, Khoza asked the audience of fellow chefs ‘to be ambassadors of this noble society – it’s not about any one individual, it’s about people. It’s about mentoring the young chefs in our association and advancing the unity of chefs’.
“I believe that we have a vitally important role to play with the chefs who are starting out – they are our legacy and have the potential to make a difference in our industry in a country that has so much to offer by way of unique ideas and skills,” he added.
Khoza achieved his diploma in food and beverage management from Technikon Witwatersrand in Braamfontein in the 90s and started his culinary career working under Walter Ulz at Linger Longer restaurant as demi chef de cuisine.
Through his career, he has travelled and worked in places such as France, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Berlin where he worked in a Michelin-starred restaurant.
He then returned to his South African roots 11 years ago and joined Tsogo Sun, working in various Southern Sun kitchens, and now plies his trade at the Sandton Convention Centre where he has been for seven years.
Outgoing SA Chefs president, Stephen Billingham said, “James Khoza has played an active role in SA Chefs for many years and has a true passion for improving our industry and developing new talent. He is ably equipped to continue the great work done by the association and all its members.”
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