Kapana cook-off 2026 competition

Terms and conditions

The Namibia Kapana Cook-off Competition is organised and sponsored by Nedbank Namibia. 

1. Eligibility

The competition is open to individuals that satisfy the following eligibility criteria:

1.1 The competition is open to Namibian citizens and residents aged 18 years and older.

1.2 The Cook-off includes professional chefs and amateur or vendor participants.

1.3 Nedbank Namibia employees/agents/consultants, event organizers, judges and their immediate families are not eligible to compete.

1.4 Winners of the past 2 competitions are not allowed to enter.

2. Entry requirements

2.1 All entries must be submitted by the published deadline in accordance with the prescribed registration process.

2.2 Participants must complete the official entry form and agree to these terms and conditions.

2.3 The entries will open on 24 Jul 2026 and close on 12 September 2026.

2.4 Entries received after the closing date and time will not be considered. The organiser further reserves the right to refuse entries that are incomplete, inaccurate or that are not in compliance with these terms and conditions.

2.5 Each participant may only submit one entry.

2.6 It is the responsibility of each participant to inform the organiser of any serious allergy or medical condition that may affect their participation.

3. Competition rules

3.1 Dishes must be original, authentic, and adhere to food safety standards.

3.2 Each contestant must prepare authentic Kapana dishes using the approved ingredients.

3.3 Participants are to provide the following:

3.3.1 Their own special Kapana spice.

3.3.2 Their own knife and chopping board.

3.3.3 Their own transport/accommodation.

3.4 Nedbank will provide:

3.4.1 Grill, grid and the fire.

3.4.2 Braai utensils.

3.4.3 Meat.

3.4.4 Salsa ingredients.

3.4.5 Bakpro Vetkoek dough/flour.

3.5 Cooking must take place within the allocated time and designated competition area.

3.6 Pre-cooked meat or pre-prepared dishes will not be allowed.

3.7 Participants are not allowed to receive assistance from third parties during the competition.

3.8 The decision of judges are final and binding.

3.9 The organiser reserves the right to disqualify any participant whose conduct poses a health or safety risk.

3.10 All participants shall be responsible for their own travel, accommodation, meals and any other expenses incurred in connection with their participation in the competition, including attendance at any regional round and the grand finale.

4. Judging criteria

4.1 Winners will be determined based on the judging criteria set out in these Terms and Conditions, namely:

4.1.1 Taste and flavour – 40%

4.1.2 Presentation and creativity – 30%

4.1.3 Authenticity and originality – 20%

4.1.2 Hygiene and food safety – 10%

4.2 At the conclusion of each regional round, the three (3) participants with the highest overall scores will be declared regional winners and will proceed to the grand finale.

4.3 The grand finale will consist of the regional winners competing against one another. The judges will assess the finalists in accordance with the judging criteria set out above, and the finalists receiving the highest aggregate scores will be declared the first-, second- and third-place winners respectively. The judges' decision shall be final and binding and no correspondence or appeals will be entertained.

4.4 Competition results and the names of successful participants will be announced at the conclusion of each regional round and at the grand finale event and may also be published on Nedbank Namibia's official social media platforms, website and other promotional channels.

4.5 Prize winners will receive their prizes at the applicable event or on such date, time and manner as communicated by Nedbank Namibia.

5. Prizes

5.1 Winners will receive prizes as announced by Nedbank Namibia.

5.2 The prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

5.3 Nedbank Namibia reserves the right to substitute prizes with items of equal value.

6. Conduct

6.1 Participants must behave respectfully towards judges, fellow contestants, and the audience.

6.2 Any misconduct, cheating, or violation of the rules may result in disqualification.

7. Intellectual property and media

7.1 By entering this competition, participants grant Nedbank Namibia the right to use your name, photographs, videos, and recordings of the competition for promotional purposes.

7.2 Participants' recipes and presentations may be featured in Nedbank publications and media campaigns.

8. Liability

8.1 Nedbank Namibia and the event organizers are not responsible for personal injury, loss, or damage to property during the competition.

8.2 Participants are responsible for their own tools, equipment, and personal belongings.

8.3 The participants acknowledge that cooking activities inherently carries risk and as such to the extent permitted by law, each participant voluntarily assumes and accepts all such risks and agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Nedbank Namibia, its directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants, sponsors, affiliates, and the judges of the competition (collectively, the "Indemnified Parties") from and against any and all claims, demands, actions, proceedings, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable legal costs on an attorney and own client scale) arising out of or in connection with the participant's participation in the competition.

9. Amendments/Cancellation

9.1 Nedbank Namibia reserves the right to amend these terms and conditions at any time, with notice provided to participants.

9.2 Nedbank Namibia reserves its right to postpone or cancel the competition as well as change the venues.

10. Applicable law

10.1 These terms and conditions shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of Namibia.

11. Confirmation of acceptance

11.1 By registering for participation in the competition, each participant confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions and undertakes to abide by and be bound by these Terms and Conditions.