Grandmother’s wisdom leads Lesego to prestigious national title

Helené Rossouw (left) and Lesego Maine, the national winner of the FBI School Chef of the Year 2025 competition. (Image: Supplied)

"Food made with love, and a happy heart will taste magical." This saying, passed down from Lesego Maine’s grandmother, perfectly sums up her approach to cooking after winning the prestigious Food and Beverage Insti- tute (FBI) School Chef of the Year competition. A Grade 12 learner at Hentie Cilliers High School in Virginia, Lesego says she now fully understands the wisdom behind those words.

Describing herself as a “foodie,” Lesego is passionate about trying new dishes and cooking techniques. “Trying new food makes life exciting and helps me think of new ideas,” she says. Lesego was inspired to compete after watching cooking shows like MasterChef and Pioneer Woman. “These shows motivate me to try new recipes and improve my skills,” she explains. For her winning dish, she focused on simplicity and elegance.

Her entry featured oven-roasted pork fillet with garlic mashed potatoes and a roasted tomato-chili teriyaki sauce, followed by a rich chocolate malva pudding with chocolate sauce for dessert. The competition was not easy, and she faced many challenges. Her teacher, Mrs. Helené Rossouw, was there to support her every step of the way.