By: Gift Nyamapfene

The Durban International Conventional Centre’s (ICC) executive chef, John Moatshe was awarded with the prestigious Chaine des Rôtisseurs brass plaque.

The Chaine des Rôtisseurs is an international gastronomic society founded in Paris in 1248 and has more than 25 000 members in over 70 countries in the world. It is awarded to a chef who maintains an outstanding level of cuisine, hospitality and service.

The association also promotes the art of fine cuisine and supports the development of young culinary professionals.

Moatshe was presented with the honour for his achievements in the culinary field at a dinner for the Chaine des Rôtisseurs’ local chapter and the Balliage de Kwa-Zulu-Natal by the chapter’s bailli, Kevin Joseph, and the Vice Chancellor, Phillip Mostert.

“As a long standing member of the Chaine des Rôtisseurs, it is indeed an honour to receive this kind of recognition from my peers. We have come a long way in improving our culinary offering, particularly in showcasing African cuisine,” said Moatshe.

Moatshe was a member of the pioneer team that opened the Durban ICC in 1997 and served as the Chef Saucier before rising to executive chef in 2009. He has had international hospitality experience from his travels on exchange programs to Kuala Lampur, Adelaide and Qatar convention centres.

The Chief Executive Officer of Durban ICC, Julie Ellingson said, “We are extremely proud of Chef John and the way he has distinguished himself by this outstanding culinary achievement.”

The much acclaimed Chaîne des Rotisseurs accolade. Photo courtesy: fr.wikipedia.org

The award is the highest honour conferred by the Chaine des Rôtisseurs and has only been awarded to a chef in KZN on three other occasions.

“This recognition is another milestone of the centre’s proud culinary history and shows that we remain committed to maintaining our superb standards of cuisine and hospitality,” said Ellingson.