BURSARY FROM THREE SHIPS WHISKY TO SUPPORT CULINARY STUDENT 

Three Ships Whisky has awarded a bursary to Thabang Motaung, a promising student at the HTA School of Culinary Art in Randburg, at a dinner held at the school last night (14 August). The bursary will provide Thabang with much needed financial support to complete his studies for the Diploma in Professional Cookery by 2016.  

Thabang, 21 years old and from the East Rand, is dreaming about working on cruise liners to see the world. And at some point in his career he wants to find himself working alongside executive chef David Higgs at the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg. 

He started his course at HTA in March this year and was selected as the Three Ships bursary recipient for his dedication, hard work, and willingness to learn and succeed.  Thabang left school at the end of Grade 10 and includes finishing his matric as one of his goals. 

Both Thabang’s parents passed away when he was fairly young and it was his aunt Corinne that fostered his dream of becoming a chef. “I used to help my aunt preparing Sunday lunches and she shared her recipes with me, showed me how to cook a variety of dishes and stimulated my enjoyment of food and cooking. 

“Since enrolling at HTA I’ve realised just how much detail and perfection is required in preparing a meal. I have found making a sauce to complement a dish is not quite as easy as it seems and I’m working hard at perfecting the skill.” 

Thabang enjoys cooking with beef fillet, onions for their versatility, and pineapple, his favourite fruit. As part of his course he is exposed to new techniques and cooking styles from around the world, yet South African dishes interest him the most. “There are so many local ingredients from which to create unique dishes and so many traditional methods of preparing food. I would love to discover how to incorporate these in my own style of cooking.”  

Three Ships Whisky brand manager Hayley Read said this was the first year the bursary was being awarded. “We’ve been involved with HTA for a number of years now and discovered there was a real need for financial assistance for students with limited means. The bursary is our way of providing such assistance. 

“Three Ships Whisky has pioneered many firsts for the country, including being named the World’s Best Blended Whisky at the 2012 World Whisky Awards. We therefore find it only fitting to share our success with someone who has great aspirations. A little financial help goes a long way and we wish Thabang all the best in realising his dreams.” 

According to Stephen Billingham, director of HTA and president of the South African Chefs Association, Thabang is very deserving of the bursary. 

“He is eager, hard-working and determined to succeed.  I’m delighted by his strong interest in all aspects of our South African cuisine as well as the industry as such. It’s important for young chefs to realise that being part of the industry is to grow local cuisine and also to support and nurture the greater community, something for which Thabang has a natural affinity.” 

Three Ships Whisky and the HTA have for the past few years hosted a series of Gourmet Discovery dinners initiated and prepared by Executive Chef and Manager of the South African National Culinary Team, Heinz Brunner. As part of the series, the team raised funds last year for the World Chefs Tour against Hunger which saw six chefs, including Heinz, climbing Kilimanjaro to raise R280 000 to feed 7000 children daily in nine provinces. 

The HTA was established in 1996 and offers courses providing grounding in all the disciplines of the kitchen. Some of the countries’ finest chefs launched their careers here. 

Photo Caption:

(Social images left to right)

 Three Ships HTA

Stephen Billingham (HTA), Thabang Motaung (bursary recipient), Hayley Read (Three Ships Whisky) Heinz Brunner (HTA) and Mpo Morudu (Three Ships Whisky)