Beacon Valley teen wins World Koesister Day challenge

Beacon Valley’s Abduraghmaan Jassiem has baked his way to recognition after winning the World Koesister Day (WKD) challenge.

After a four-year break, the celebration returned on Sunday, September 7, at a hotel in Gardens.

This year’s edition focused on youth, blending South Africa’s culinary traditions with opportunities for young people to showcase their talents ("Celebrating World Koesister Day" Atlantic Sun September 8).

Twenty participants took part in hospitality service and storytelling, with judges selecting the top three for the most creative use of indigenous flavours in a koeksister.

The event, first launched by Mark Jacobs of Vannie Kaap, has since been reshaped by local non-profit weRproudly to give young chefs a platform to shine.

Seventeen-year-old Abduraghmaan, a final-year hospitality pupil at Mitchell’s Plain School of Skills in Rocklands, impressed judges with a recipe rooted in family tradition.

Inspired by his grandmother, he created a koesister filled with spekboom jam, coconut syrup, and a ginger-spiced cream.

“There were a lot of emotions on the day, but baking is something I love. I wanted to take a risk and share my creativity,” he said.

Abduraghmaan, who is neurodiverse, said his early schooling years were difficult, but he has since worked hard to build confidence in hospitality.

He has also been involved in the Young Chefs Club, introduced to him by his hospitality teacher Xen De Jong, which exposed him to events and opportunities beyond the classroom.

“I try to attend as many activities as I can to gain more experience,” he said.

It was Mr De Jong who encouraged him to enter the competition by sharing the poster with him.

The win came as a shock to the teen.

“At first, I wasn’t sure my idea would be enough, but I’m grateful to my teachers, Mr Xen, and my community for celebrating with me,” he said.

His mother, Fouzia Jassiem, summed up the joy of the moment: She was so excited that she forgot to turn off the kitchen tap, flooding the floor.

To further showcase their talents, Abduraghmaan and his fellow fourth-year hospitality students are hosting a Red Carpet Gala on Saturday, September 27, at Cedar High School Hall. They’ve been raising funds through weekend takeaway sales to make the event possible, as the school wasn't able to assist them.

Abduraghmaan also runs a small baking business from home, preparing cakes for weddings and birthdays.

“This win proves that young people from Mitchell’s Plain can achieve big things with dedication and support,” he said.

For more information or to support their school initiatives, contact Abduraghmaan on 071 496 4236.