Staff members at Nedbank Eswatini brought colour, culture and cuisine together over the weekend during the bank’s annual cook-off challenge, which this year was held as part of Africa Month celebrations.
The event four saw different staff teams competing in preparing a variety of African dishes while dressed in colourful cultural attire blended with the bank’s signature green theme.
Unlike previous editions of the competition, this year’s challenge placed a stronger focus on celebrating African identity and unity through food.
Speaking during the event, Managing Director of Nedbank Eswatini, Fikile Nkosi, said the initiative was important in strengthening relations among employees while also giving them a chance to unwind away from the pressures of office work.
Nkosi said activities such as the cook-off helped create a healthy working environment by allowing staff members to interact outside the formal office setting.
She explained that while the cook-off challenge had become a regular event within the bank, this year’s edition carried a special meaning because it was aligned with Africa Month commemorations observed in May.
“We wanted this year’s event to be more than just a competition. It was also about celebrating who we are as Africans and appreciating the richness of African cultures,” she said.
Nkosi added that teams were specifically encouraged to use African cuisines in their dishes as part of embracing the continent’s diverse heritage.
“As emaSwati, we recognise Africa as a whole. We did not want teams to limit themselves to only local dishes, but rather explore and celebrate food from across the continent,” she said.
The atmosphere at the event was filled with excitement as staff members showcased not only their cooking skills, but also cultural pride through music, attire and teamwork.
Different teams prepared a range of meals inspired by various African countries, with judges assessing the dishes based on taste, presentation, creativity and cultural representation.
At the end of the competition, TTPN Pot Rocket emerged victorious and walked away with an E5,000 cheque after impressing judges with their performance and culinary presentation.
The Umsoco Team secured second position and received E4 000 as runners-up.
Employees who attended the event described the cook-off as a refreshing experience that promoted unity and teamwork within the organisation.
A judge from the panel, Mbongeni Mbingo, said the cook-off challenge allowed them to learn more about different African cultures and cuisines.
According to Nkosi, the cook-off challenge also highlighted the growing importance of workplace wellness initiatives that encourage employee engagement beyond daily duties.
