James Khoza, executive chef of Tsogo Sun’s Sandton Convention Centre, has been elected the first South African born and trained president of the SA Chef’s Association (SACA) since its inception 44 years ago.
The president of the association is tasked with heading up its governing body and board of directors, providing direction for its various initiatives, including the South African Culinary Olympics team. Khoza says he is deeply humbled and honoured to take on the role, which he describes as educational and overwhelming.
I now carry the hopes and aspirations of many chefs and I look forward to continuing the association’s ongoing work of uniting all chefs. SACA is home to all chefs and no one must feel excluded,
says Khoza.
The president of the association is chosen in an election of anonymous votes cast by its 10 000 members across South Africa. Khoza had previously served as vice president of the association in a joint competitions portfolio.
Khoza achieved his diploma in Food and Beverage Management from Technikon Witwatersrand in the 1990s and started his culinary career working under Walter Ulz at Linger Longer restaurant as demi chef cuisine. During his long career he has worked in France, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Berlin, where he worked in a Michelin-starred restaurant. He returned to South Africa 11 years ago and joined Tsogo Sun, working in various Southern Sun kitchens until he settled on the Sandton Convention Centre, where he has been for seven years.
