Defy is helping young South Africans turn culinary talent into sustainable careers through its partnership with the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy and Learning Centre.
By equipping the Academy’s training kitchens with high-performance appliances and supporting skills development, Defy is helping graduates take their first steps from training into the professional culinary world.
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Employment outcome
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Defy’s partnership with the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy and Learning Centre goes beyond providing high-performance appliances. By supporting the Academy’s training kitchens and skills development programmes, we’re helping create an environment where young South Africans can develop their culinary talent, build confidence and prepare for careers in hospitality.
Through access to the tools and facilities needed for practical learning, Defy is helping graduates build the skills and experience they need to take meaningful steps towards sustainable careers in the hospitality industry.
It’s a partnership built around opportunity, giving aspiring hospitality professionals the support they need to turn their potential into a profession.
Real growth starts from the ground up. Witness how Defy and the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy and Learning Centre are partnering to create lasting impact, one life, one kitchen, and one story at a time.
“DEFY has become part of the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy family. Their support gives our students access to the equipment and practical experience they need to understand the realities of hospitality, build confidence and prepare for meaningful careers in the industry.”
A glimpse into the people, places and experiences shaping the Franschhoek Hospitality journey.
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Meet three graduates and discover how they turned their training into professional careers.
01
From determination to the kitchen
Amos's determination to build a career in hospitality has taken him from working to support himself to becoming a Chef de Partie and now a Sous Chef at the prestigious Monneaux restaurant.
His journey reflects a relentless pursuit of purpose and a determination to build a career through his craft.
02
From passion to pastry
From baking with her grandmother to leading pastry at the luxury wellness retreat Sterrekopje, Wendoline turned her passion into her profession.
Today, she's not just baking; she's leading and mentoring others as a supervisor and pastry chef.
03
Resilience that shaped a career
After multiple rejections, teenage motherhood, and a long road back to education, Elsabie never gave up.
Now she's Sous Chef at Deux Lions, a fast-rising bistro in Franschhoek, where she leads with quiet confidence and undeniable talent.
Want to learn more about the partnership or explore opportunities to get involved? Get in touch with the Defy team to find out how you can support future hospitality talent.
