From Circuits to Sugarcraft: South African Engineer Takes Top Prize at World Food Competition
Image source: Chef Palesa Pejane in Kolkata, India.Photo: Supplied
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa – During the quietude of the COVID-19 lockdowns, Palesa Pejane, a 30-year-old electrical engineer from Botshabelo in the Free State, South Africa, discovered a passion that would send her career in a whole new direction.
Published by: Dimphotsentle Pule
Trading in blueprints for piping bags, Pejane enrolled at a culinary school in Bloemfontein, and her talent for transforming simple ingredients into edible works of art has already garnered international recognition.
Pejane recently returned from the World Food Competition in India, where she not only clinched the top prize in the Cake Icing category but also secured an impressive second place in Culinary Art, competing against a global pool of 160 participants from 60 countries.
“I always knew I had a creative side,” Pejane says, “but during lockdown, I had the time to explore it properly.”
Fueled by this newfound passion, Pejane enrolled at a culinary institute, honing her skills and developing a unique style that incorporates her South African heritage. “For the competition, I represented my country in everything I did,” she explains. “The colors, the beadwork on the cake, it all reflected our vibrant culture. South Africa is a rainbow nation, and I wanted to showcase that.”
Pejane’s confidence and creativity were evident not just in her visual presentation but also in her technical abilities. “I had to learn a lot on my own before starting at culinary school,” she admits. “There were times it was frustrating, but I knew this was what I wanted.”
Now in her final year, Pejane’s next challenge is finding funding for the international practicum required to complete her program. Despite this hurdle, her determination remains unshakeable. Pejane’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, a journey that has taken her from the world of circuits to the sugar-coated realm of culinary artistry.
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