If you have a Grade 12 certificate and are looking for a hands‑on way to start a career in food, the Sekunjalo Culinary Programme 2026 is accepting applications now. This is a chance to spend a full year learning practical culinary, hospitality and entrepreneurship skills, and the deadline is fast approaching.
What is the Sekunjalo Culinary Programme?
The programme is a 12‑month development pathway run by Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in partnership with the Wakanda Food Accelerator. It goes beyond basic cooking classes by covering the whole food value chain – from kitchen techniques to running a small food business.
Who can apply?
You must meet all of the following criteria:
- South African citizen or permanent resident
- Valid South African ID document
- Completed Grade 12
- Live within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Unemployed, self‑employed or an aspiring entrepreneur
- Available full‑time for the entire 12‑month period
- Interest in hospitality, catering or food production
Only residents of Buffalo City are eligible; this is not a national programme.
What will you gain?
The programme equips you with practical and business skills, including:
- Culinary techniques and food preparation
- Hospitality and catering fundamentals
- Food safety and production processes
- Entrepreneurship and small‑business development
- Understanding of food‑value‑chain opportunities
These skills are useful for future chefs, catering operators, farmers who want to add value to their produce, and anyone who wishes to launch a food‑related venture.
How to apply – step by step
- Gather the required documents:
- Grade 12 certificate or latest school report
- Certified copy of your ID document
- Proof of residence issued by your local Councillor
- Updated CV that shows any relevant experience
- Visit the official application page and complete the online form: Sekunjalo Culinary Programme online application form.
- Upload the scanned copies of your documents as requested.
- Review all information for accuracy – double‑check your phone number and email address.
- Submit the application before the closing date.
The training venue is the Sekunjalo Skills Development Training Centre in Tyip Tyip.
Tips to improve your chances
- Obtain your Councillor’s proof of residence early; this can take longer than getting a certified ID copy.
- Make sure your CV clearly lists any cooking, catering, hospitality, farming or business experience, even if it is informal.
- Confirm you can commit to full‑time attendance for the whole year before applying.
- Do not pay anyone who claims to fast‑track your application – the process is free.
Next steps
The application window closes on 21 September 2026. Prepare your documents now and submit your application as soon as possible. After completing the programme, you could continue with further studies, start a catering business, add value to farm produce, or pursue a professional chef career. Use this opportunity to clarify where you want your food‑industry skills to take you next.