Accolades keep rolling in…
“Last year, in its inaugural phase, Jackie Cameron owner of Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, based in Hilton in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, impressed the judges of the Womxn in Food - FOOD XX Awards and Symposium in the category entitled: teachers and mentors dedicated to sharing knowledge and encouraging future innovators - and came away with another award to enhance her already substantial collection.”
This year, Andiswa Mqedlana, part of the school’s 2017 intake, was recently notified that she was a finalist in the second year of the FOOD XX Awards, in the grassroots category. The awards evening, that focuses on honouring the game changers and supporting the start-ups. has been scheduled for 27 August 2020, at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, in Cape Town.
KwaZulu-Natalian, Andiswa, was born in Kokstad in and raised in Durban. Once qualified she took up a position as manager of Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine’s School Restaurant, an eatery that is part of the School Outlet. Her aim is “to achieve exposure in a way that benefits me, as well as our School Restaurant - and to mature in my career”. Andiswa is aware of the testing time ahead but she copes with the challenges in a philosophical manner.
“The come and go,” she says. “They are a part of life and will help me in my endeavour to develop within the culinary industry.”
When interviewed for a place at Jackie’s culinary school, Andiswa was asked what she would give to the institution, “my ultimate best – to be ambitious and to go for every opportunity offered”, was her response.
“And that is exactly what she has done,” says Jackie. “Life hasn’t been easy for Andiswa yet she has persevered, she has taken all opportunities available to her at the school – and she has flourished. We are so very proud of her.”
Jackie realised her dream to tutor aspiring chefs when her culinary school welcomed its first intake in April 2015. Since then, 25 graduates at the school - that offers three intensive, internationally recognised programmes - have achieved 60 internationally recognised distinctions, as awarded by City & Guilds, London.
“Hands-on” is Jackie's philosophy, and “don’t ever give up” her motto. The students work alongside her daily, and the school provides the opportunity to experience all things foodie in a safe, secure environment.
“There is so much to food, and I’m enjoying sharing all that I’ve been fortunate to have learnt – and experienced - with the students,” she says. “My aim is to impart this knowledge, and to equip the students with the skills to 'go it alone' with confidence.”
Jackie is ahead of the game on all levels as she guides students to create a balanced-and-healthy lifestyle in this crazy, but extremely-rewarding, industry.