Saca Promises To Blow Boogey Back Into The Oyster



Just over 30 years ago, a small group of chefs formed an Association that would promote the scientific art of cooking in South Africa. Today, with more than 2,000 member nationwide, the sixth branch of SACA has been established in the Garden Route at an exclusive get together by top restaurateurs, chefs and caterers on Monday, 29 January 2007.

A brand new committee was elected and consists of Executive Chef, Knysna Log Inn Martyn Hill as Chairman, renowned celebrity chef Francois Ferreira as Vice Chairman.

SACA Garden Route stretches from Mossel Bay in the south to the Crags north of Plettenberg Bay and inland to encompass Oudtshoorn and those to the Groot Swartberge. The range is extensive and the vision is to set up sub-committees in the different areas to make it easier for Chefs to get involved. SACA Garden Route will also work closely with the Chaine de Rôtisseurs.

“Our mission is to promote the art and science of cookery. In this we have Ferreira who runs Eden School of Catering in George and Mackay who teaches Trade and Tourism. Development of those who need to take the reigns from us in the future is a strong vocation for me and I hope for you too.” Hill says further.
The South African Chefs Association (SACA) plays an integral role in the training and continuous improvement of standards in the hospitality industry. With the predicted growth in tourism, this role is becoming more and more important and through the SACA Seal of Approval, recognised standards for the industry are being set. Product development is also an important service, which SACA provides to the industry.

The Association continues to work closely with THETA to identify and define the training needs of industry. SACA also holds regular seminars and workshops, both nationally and regionally, in the constant drive to improve knowledge and standards.

Competitions are held every year at events within the South African borders, to identify the new and rising culinary stars. Participation in international events and food promotions ensures the continuous development of young, aspiring chefs and raises the profile of South Africa’s diverse cuisine in countries across the globe. On an international level, the Association has always actively participated in the activities of the World Association of Cooks Societies (WACS) and in 1996 was unanimously voted to hold the offices of president, vice president and secretary general from 1996 to 2000. Not only was this a great honour but also a strong vote of confidence in the ability of the South African Chefs Association by the more than 60 member countries of WACS, which represents over 1,5 million chefs around the world.

The authority on food in South Africa, SACA provides its members with invaluable opportunities for networking, career growth, overseas travel, industry discounts and access to a wealth of culinary knowledge. The list is endless and grows constantly as SACA looks for new ways to improve its service to its members.

With the 24th Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival a mere six months away, the establishment of SACA Garden Route comes at no better time. One of the main events during this prominent event on the South African festival calendar is the Oyster Cooking Competition, organised by SACA. The planning is already in place to revise the concept of the cooking competition, taking this event to an all time high. The element of festivity is returning with the new and improved Oyster & Wine Mardi Gras. Various local teams will still compete for the prestigious title, while selected wine estates will pair their wines with deliciously diverse oyster dishes.

Vice chairman of SACA and Bailli of the Chaine de Rôtisseurs, Baillage D’Outeniqua, Francois Ferreira says: “It is time we all put our money where our mouths. We will stand together to support each other and moreover, our younger generation in the hospitality industry.”

The current patrons of SACA are Fedics, South African Airways, Southern Sun, Tiger Brands and McCain Foods. SACA has permanent representation on THETA.

To become a member of SACA, Garden Route and more information about SACA please contact
Lynn Giles on 082 940 9035 or
Martyn Hill on 072 390 9091.