Meet Aiden Van Wyk, a determined Class of 2026 student at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine. From his early introduction to the school in Grade 8 to his long-term ambition of owning a restaurant abroad and becoming a sports nutritionist, Aiden’s story is one of discipline, passion, and purpose.

Meet Alexis-Jayde van Wyk, a Class of 2026 student at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine. Discover what inspired her culinary journey, her dream of becoming a yacht chef, and the passion she brings to her training.

Meet Caleb Naidoo, a driven student chef from Pietermaritzburg with big dreams of owning his own restaurant. Discover what inspires him, his passion for food, and his journey at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine.

Meet Student Chef Isabella Moig and discover her passion for baking, her future goals, and why she chose Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in Hilton, KZN for her culinary training.

Durban-born Joshua Bolton joined Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine to sharpen his culinary skills, grow in confidence, and turn his lifelong love of cooking into a career. Inspired by cooking with his gran from an early age, Joshua is committed to giving his all to the hospitality industry, with dreams of one day opening a South African restaurant overseas.

Meet Mapule Khumalo, a passionate culinary student at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, as she shares her journey, ambitions, and the mindset required to succeed in the world of professional cooking.

Student chef Noah Cramer shares his journey into the culinary world, his passion for baking, and his dream of opening a bakery café in the countryside after graduating from Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine.

Inspired by the life-changing value of good nutrition, Rebecca Clarke shares what led her to the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in Hilton chef school in KwaZulu-Natal, and how she’s training to create food that’s wholesome, delicious, and beautifully presented.

Meet Singabakhe Mphuli, Class of 2026 at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Discover her global culinary ambitions, passion for growth, and journey toward becoming a successful businesswoman in hospitality.

Meet Sophia Drakopoulos, Class of 2026 at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Discover her Greek culinary influences, career ambitions, and what it takes to build a successful career as a professional chef in South Africa.

Meet Timothy Wassermann, Class of 2026 at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Discover what drives this aspiring chef, his five-year restaurant goal, and what it truly takes to train as a professional chef in South Africa.

“After deciding that I wanted to pursue culinary training, I did lots of research on the various institutions in South Africa. As soon as I came across Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, I immediately felt it would be the best option for me because of the small classes, as well as Chef Jackie's approach to the course.” - Bianca Hillermann

“I have always had a passion for food. Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine was the perfect place for me because the school accepts only 15 students, and I work well in smaller groups.” - Holly King

“I intend on becoming a chef, and Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine is the best way to fulfil this desire. I simply want to cook a soufflé; the rest will become my life as I develop in the process.” - Joshua Fitzroy

“I enrolled at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in pursuit of a childhood dream of becoming a qualified Chef. When I heard about Chef Jackie Cameron’s culinary school during a career day, held at my high school, I knew that I had to make this school my next home.” - Langelihle Mnikathi

“I wanted to enrol at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine because of the immaculate standards that were set by Chef. Chef has made such an impactful name for herself in the culinary industry - which really inspired me.” - Julia Moore

“I’ve always loved food. I would help my mom in the kitchen and, while cooking, I would be learning new things. My mom taught me most of the meals I can serve today. I enjoy the pressure when working with food.” - Luca Heath

“When I visited the Jackie Cameron’s School with my parents, I felt an instant connection - that this was my place for growth and success. My heart felt this was where I belonged. I knew this school would give the advantage to becoming a successful chef and the vision that I have for myself. I felt very excited to start my journey here.” - Lwazi Makhubu

“After carefully considering other culinary schools none of them stood out to me the way Chef Jackie Cameron’s school did. I prefer small classes because I think that with larger classes it would be more difficult to focus on what each student needs to learn and perfect.” - Natalie Takure

“I looked at a range of culinary institutions and Chef Jackie Cameron’s school stood out because of her style of teaching. And, with a small number of students in a class, it's easier for everyone to get the attention they need.…” - Nokutenda Madzamba

“I always enjoyed cooking with my aunt and my grandmother. They introduced me to many cultural foods, and this led me to want to become a chef. After hearing about Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, I knew I had to be here…” - Rebecca Hillermann

The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands lit up this July as the Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine (JCSFW) celebrated the graduation of its 18-month and three-year culinary cohorts. Families, industry partners, and the culinary heavyweight, Chef Liam Tomlin, joined Chef Jackie Cameron and her team to applaud a year of remarkable achievement, real-world growth, and world-class standards.

“I was inspired to attend Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine by many factors, starting with the top-level accreditation, and the ranking graduates hold throughout the country.” - Megan Maistry

“The culture at Jackie Cameron School Of Food & Wine made me feel at home.” - Katelyn Kitchin

“I wanted to enrol because I feel a genuine connection to food, and I knew that if I enrolled at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, I would be able to gain the experience I need for my culinary future.” - Charlotte Davis

“I was inspired by the way Chef Jackie Cameron has involved herself with top chefs around the world - getting ideas, inspiration and knowledge from other countries’ specialty dishes. Then to inspire her students.” - Shannon Jade Atkinson

“I want to learn the knowledge and skills required to be successful in the culinary field.” - Gerhard Blome

“Cooking is a way to make people happy, and it helps satisfy me. I can’t see myself sitting in an office, and if I’m going to do something for the rest of my life, it should be something I love.” - Anna Davy

“When looked at different culinary schools I was impressed with the equipment and the opportunities that would come studying at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine.” - Michael Farrell

“I applied to Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine because of its esteemed reputation and comprehensive culinary curriculum. I was inspired by the opportunity to receive hands-on training and to learn from renowned Chef Jackie herself. I believe that studying here will equip me with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the culinary industry.” - Joshua Levy

“From a young age I’ve had a passion for cooking. After school, I went to university and realised it wasn’t for me. I thought about what I was passionate about and what I could see myself doing for the rest of my life and my options were working with the ocean, which I’ve been doing for the last year, and working as a chef which I’m training to do now.” - Conor Rogers

“It has always been my passion to cook, I have been doing all the short courses to uplift my cooking skills and then I got to the point where I felt that it was necessary for me to study at a culinary school to get more skills and qualification.” - Lungi Ngidi

“When I learnt about Jackie Cameron School Of Food & Wine my first thought was: Wow, I would really like to be at a place where I can be taught by someone who is really passionate about food.” - Jared Nosenzo

“I decided that I would like to further develop my limited cookery skills and techniques. I knew about the good reputation of Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine and thought that it would be a fantastic opportunity.” - Callum Pollard

“My love for cooking and desire to learn new things has inspired me to enrol at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine.”

“I grew up loving the kitchen and enjoyed watching people’s reactions when eating my food. Every time we drove past the school said to my family that I wanted to go ‘there’ after high school – and that was when I was in junior school.”

“I have always wanted to become a chef, but I never knew how to achieve this. Coming across the school has presented me with the opportunity.”

“It was the best option for me because this school is number one in the country and Chef Cameron is well known in the culinary industry. The school gives me the greatest opportunity to achieve my goals and to get the job I want.”

“It was the way Chef Jackie treats and inspires her students, past and present, to achieve their best and also those who supported me to go into this industry. My parents made my dream a reality.”

“I’ve always enjoyed being in the kitchen, so when Jackie Cameron visited the school I attended, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands because I knew this was my chance to be taught by the best.”

“From a very early age I have had a passion for food. I have memories of cooking with my grandparents and parents and have always wanted to be involved in the process of cooking delicious meals.”

“I have always enjoyed cooking and baking. They are my passion, and I know that Jackie Cameron is a renowned chef, so enrolling here has made me want to reach the success Chef Jackie has achieved.”

The fact that it is the top chef school in the country was definitely a deciding factor. Not only that, but I see Chef as significant inspiration. I am so excited for what is still to come.

The course offered international diplomas as well as a Level 2 international wine diploma - no other chef school in SA offered this.

“I have always been passionate about cooking and, as a local, I have driven past the school dreaming of what was inside. Recently, I was faced with the opportunity to enrol, and I knew I had to jump at the once-in-a-lifetime chance to fulfil my dream.” -Samantha Conradie

“I have always had an interest in food and cooking. Although I have not had many opportunities to experiment and explore cooking, I still see it as a passion of mine – and I always enjoy preparing a good meal or treats for people to appreciate.” - Olivia Malan.

“I have a passion for cooking and baking; being able to manipulate the human body through food and nutrition; and wanting to make more people aware of the fact that healthy food/living can also taste and look great.” - Shriyan Basthdaw

“I have always wanted to be a chef and when I asked around for the best cookery school Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine came up many times.” - Mohamed Peeroo

“Ever since I can remember, I have created amazing baked goods with my mom and my grandmother, and I would get great satisfaction sharing the love that I have for baked goods.” - Michael Ellis

“I have seen Chef’s past students and those who go on to open businesses, and I fell in love with how diverse they all are. This motivated me to want to enrol at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine because I believe that if Chef is able to produce such diverse students, she is the most perfect person to assist me in being able to channel my culinary goals.” - Lungelo Mbele

“Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine… it was the quality education and attention to detail when it comes to everything that got me. Before I came here, I was in the food business, but I felt I needed to be taught the basics instead of always making mistakes. Enrolling here meant that I would get what I needed.” - Lihle Mahambehlala

“Thanks to KOO’s sponsorship I was able to enrol at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine where I knew the quality of education was superior. I want to learn as much as possible about the culinary industry. Food brings me so much joy and I love sharing that joy with people.” - Kgothatso Mathibe

“The educational approach used at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine would give me a wide range of specialisation in the culinary field and a lot of practical skills that I would need.” - Kamohelo Mokhele

“I have always enjoyed food, and cooking is a really fun thing to do. I like the experience of cooking something new and having people appreciate what I cook” - Azikonke Ngcobo

Georg Lens’ mother, Cindy, was responsible for all the sign writing at the school. I suggest you commission her/WALLCANDY for any wallpaper, painting and design requirements you may have. Georg too came to the school’s first open day but I believe his idea of becoming a chef was cemented after he attended a Teens Cooking Class.

Costas Christodoulou signed up a week before we opened this year. We often laugh about how busy he kept me those last few days before school started. Costas had considered doing a culinary course when he finished school, a few years ago. He, however, completed a Bachelor of Business Administration and Advanced Certificate in Professional Photography courses before committing himself to becoming a chef.

Cheri Kustner was the first student that I accepted for this year’s intake. I remember her coming to the school’s first open day, when the last group of students were still here and I knew from that moment that she was going to excel - her enthusiasm was tangible.

I have been astonished – and thrilled - by the number of chefs and restaurateurs who have recommended Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine to potential students. It’s heartwarming to know the recognition we are receiving. Up next is Trizanne Kodi, sent by Ryan Ringo a good friend of the hospitality industry.

Brynn Enslin attended our first Teens Cooking Class early last year. The next one is on July 1 and 2, 2017. It will showcase winter food - think rich and melt-in-your-mouth oxtail in risotto. Brynn left the course seeming very enthusiastic and keen to enroll for the 18-month programme.  I didn’t push him and he contacted me late last year. I admit to wondering why he’d taken so long!

Soon after our first intake of students graduated, I met Pinetown resident, Andiswa Mqedlana. She told me her introduction to the school was through a career expo at Kearsney College, back in 2014. The following year she was successful in her interview for the 2017 18-month course.

Jordin Shelly, of Hillcrest, was a learner at Epworth School and, during 2016, we kept ‘bumping into’ one another. It was as though Life knew she was coming to Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine before she knew.

Kelsey Holmes is from just around the corner - Howick. It pleases me to see the quieter students grow in confidence around food building.

I met Jonathan Kapp, of Johannesburg, by chance. He accompanied his girlfriend for an interview to enroll at the school, and he so enjoyed what he saw that soon after he sent an application.

Connor Benn, from Kloof in KwaZulu-Natal, was the first male student to join the school. His friendly smile and enthusiasm for food are enchanting.

Rebecca Bourhill, of Rustenburg in North West Province, would spend her holidays working with me - like every holiday from the age of 16.

Arnie Muller, of Orkney in North West Province, contacted me two years ago, after the school’s first media release was published, and it was my good friend and perfect gentleman Reuben Riffle who recommended he enroll. Arnie is sharing his family’s Sheba Sauce recipe which is a delicious tomato-based relish. It has been a favourite for as long as he can remember, and can be served with meat or eggs or even as a tantalising spread on a sandwich.