20/10/2022
Greetings to you all chefs and cooks from all walks of South Africa. You may be practicing your craft within the borders of this beautiful country or overseas, remember that today is OUR day.
Our profession has evolved from the humble beginnings of the Chef Escoffier days, where cooks were picked from the streets to cook for kings and nobles, to our modern-day chef, who is an educted master of his / her own craft.
We are scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and artists. We are now celebrated and respected by our fellow human beings. Surely, our profession now enjoys huge media attention worldwide.
In all our celebrations today, we must not forget that we must keep on lobbying for respect, we are still paid salaries that are way below respected living wage levels worldwide. However, despite the disrespect, we are no longer illiterate, but possess qualifications that surely justify us to be equals to other professions. We are intellects that can be counted upon to shape the future of how hospitality can add its voice to the sustainability of our environment for future generations.
To all Chefs, do not look down on yourselves, and do not belittle our profession.
Today though, enjoy being the chef that adds smiles to people, both affluent and destitute.
You are appreciated and valued and The South African Chefs Association salutes you.
Thank you.
