This year marks a remarkable milestone for Olive Chef School in Bloemfontein as it celebrates 25 years of shaping South Africa’s finest culinary talents. From its humble beginnings in 2000, the school has grown into an internationally accredited institution.
Founded by Chef Rinette Enslin, Olive Chef School has built its reputation on passion, discipline, and professionalism. Reflecting on the journey, Rinette notes that perseverance and a commitment to quality education have kept the school among the country’s leading culinary institutions.
“Our institution is built on classic culinary methods, using only the freshest ingredients. We update our curriculum every two years to stay aligned with global trends. Our team of chefs is highly regarded and expertly trained in their respective specialties.”
Students receive comprehensive training in classical French cuisine through a structured, two-part program. The first component, based in Bloemfontein, focuses on foundational classes and hands-on kitchen training. The second component, held in the Cape Peninsula, provides experiential learning at South Africa’s top culinary venues, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world professional settings. This approach ensures graduates leave with both strong technical foundations and practical experience, ready to excel globally. Olive Chef School also boasts a 95% work placement rate, assisting young chefs in securing professional opportunities after completing their training.
The school is accredited by the City & Guilds of London and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), offering internationally recognised qualifications. Olive Chef School graduates now work across the globe – in Dubai, Alaska, Vienna, the Bahamas, the USA, the UK, and beyond. Their careers span top kitchens, lodges, cruise ships, yachts, and superyachts, reflecting the school’s mission to open doors to a world of opportunities.
With a recent expansion into Namibia in collaboration with O&L Academy, Olive Chef School continues to grow while staying true to its mission: nurturing the next generation of world-class chefs. This new branch offers in-house training for aspiring Namibian chefs – the first of its kind in the country.
In addition to culinary training, Olive Chef School proudly offers the following services:
- Catering for corporate events, large functions, and private gatherings;
- Cooking team-building experiences;
- Short skill-development courses; and
- Dinner meals on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
