Sekunjalo Culinary Programme 2026

Implementation Partners: Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality & Wakanda Food Accelerator

Location: Sekunjalo Skills Development Training Centre, Tyip Tyip, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Program Type: 12-Month Development Programme (Skills & Entrepreneurship)

Target Group: Unemployed Youth, Aspiring Chefs, Local Farmers, Food Entrepreneurs, and SMMEs

Minimum Education: Grade 12 (Matric)

Application Method: Hand Delivery

Program Overview

The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, in strategic partnership with the Wakanda Food Accelerator, has launched the Sekunjalo Culinary Programme 2026.

This 12-month development initiative is designed to equip residents of Buffalo City with practical culinary techniques, food production standards, and business development skills. Far beyond traditional kitchen training, the program spans the entire food value chain—linking primary agricultural producers, catering startups, and culinary creators with modern market opportunities.

By combining practical cookery, food safety, financial planning, and enterprise scaling, the initiative aims to foster sustainable self-employment, boost local food security, and support economic growth across the Eastern Cape.

Core Focus Areas & Curriculum Pillars

• Practical Culinary Arts: Hands-on training in commercial food preparation, kitchen hygiene, menu design, and quality control.

• Food Production & Processing: Understanding value-addition for agricultural produce, preservation, packaging, and food safety standards.

• Agri-Food Integration: Assisting local farmers to integrate into commercial supply chains, hospitality outlets, and catering networks.

• Entrepreneurship & SMME Incubation: Business plan development, product costing, financial management, marketing, and navigating regulatory compliance.

Eligibility Criteria & Minimum Requirements

To qualify for screening, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Residency: Must be a permanent resident living within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (Proof of Residence required).

• Citizenship: South African citizen or permanent resident with a valid South African Identity Document.

• Educational Qualification: Grade 12 (Matric) certificate or equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.

• Employment Status: Open to unemployed youth, self-employed individuals, micro-farmers, and food business owners (SMMEs).

• Commitment & Availability: Must be available full-time for the complete 12-month duration of the program.

Target Groups & Potential Career Pathways

• Aspiring Chefs & Cooks: Preparing for entry-level positions in commercial kitchens, lodges, restaurants, and catering operations.

• Local Farmers: Learning food preservation, packaging, and value-addition techniques to expand revenue beyond farm-gate prices.

• Food Entrepreneurs & SMMEs: Developing sustainable food brands, spaza food outlets, dark kitchens, or mobile catering businesses.

Mandatory Application Documents

All applicants must submit physical copies of the following documents in a clearly labeled folder:

1. Educational Records: Copy of Grade 12 Certificate, latest school report, or highest qualification.

2. Identity Verification: Certified copy of valid South African ID or Permanent Residence document.

3. Proof of Residence: Official letter from your Ward Councillor confirming residence within Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality.

4. Comprehensive CV: Updated Curriculum Vitae detailing education, employment status, and any relevant experience in farming, cooking, or business.

How to Apply (Submission Details)

• Application Method: Hand-delivery only.

• Submission Venue: Sekunjalo Skills Development Training Centre, Tyip Tyip, Buffalo City.

• Closing Date: 21 September 2026

Candidate Application Checklist

Before delivering your application to the Sekunjalo Skills Development Training Centre prior to 21 September 2026, verify the following:

1. Document Verification: Ensure all certifications (ID and Matric) are clearly stamped by a Commissioner of Oaths.

2. Local Councillor Letter: Confirm your Proof of Residence is signed by your local Ward Councillor.

3. Relevant CV Details: Include a brief summary in your CV explaining your passion or existing experience in farming, catering, or food production.