Chefs’ association hosts Chef Donald in Gabs

The Institute of Development Management (IDM) recently hosted Lesotho-based renowned Chef, Donald Moletsane, aka Chef Donald in Gaborone. Chef Donald, who founded Dona@Balos School of Chefs and Hospitality in Lesotho, is an internationally acclaimed and world-travelled personality who has made a significant contribution towards promoting the culinary arts industry in the SADC region. His visit comes in the wake of a developing partnership between his school and IDM with the latter establishing academic programmes in culinary arts. In a press release, the association noted that as the industry grows, they realise the need for a comprehensive strategy to offer training interventions and solutions to help learners acquire the necessary skills and professional qualifications to be able to compete in the regional and international market. “Culinary arts are an important trade that deserves proper attention as it involves issues pertaining to health, safety and hygiene beyond just food preparation and presentation.”The key highlight of Chef Dona’s visit was the signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding between IDM and Dona@Balos school which will cement the agreement the two parties have entered into. In collaboration with Botswana Chefs Association they have hosted a One Night Affair with Chef Dona where local chefs joined Chef Dona to prepare a food and wine tasting dining experience for guests. For his part, the President of Botswana Chefs Association, Chef Thuto Masala said there is need for culinary arts training in the country.   “Most senior and professional chefs in the country are expatriates. The locals still need training and exposure to both regional and international experience in culinary arts. Training as a chef without management background is not enough; chefs need to understand operational costs and management of staff in the food and beverage for a successful business. The issue of food handling, which includes health, safety and hygiene, is crucial as well, and it is one of the highlighted components in the planned culinary arts programme by IDM. ”Chefs also had a chance to attend the 3rd Career Fair Development Summit held at GICC.