Two South Africans will be getting their hands dirty in the kitchen with the famous "Naked Chef", Jamie Oliver.

Zimasile Mzamo of Khayelitsha and Goliath Booysen of Stellenbosch in Cape Town have been selected to train with celebrity chef Jamie Oliver as part of his Fifteen Foundation Programme. "This is what I've been waiting for - it's the opportunity of a lifetime," Mzamo said at the weekend.

Oliver started the programme in 2002 in London with the aim of inspiring disadvantaged young people to take up careers as chefs. It teaches young people about the hospitality and catering industry through mentorship, training and practical experience at the famous Fifteen restaurant.

Each year two people from South Africa are chosen for the programme. The new recruits will have the opportunity to work with Oliver as well as other professional chefs and will graduate with the other students in the programme. "I was always a fan of Oliver's cooking - I really admire his skills," Booysen said.

Though he enjoys cooking, his passion lies with wines. "I love wine because it changes every year. It is a product to be proud of."

Mzamo began cooking at the Chrysalis Academy in 2005 and now works as a caterer. "I want to create food with a good taste and that is full of nutrition."

(Source: the Star, May 15th 2006)

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