Montgomery Africa, in partnership with the South African Chefs Association (SA Chefs), has awarded the 2026 Bryan Montgomery Bursary Fund to Hope Msibi, a third-year student at Capsicum Culinary Studio.
Valued at R35 000, the bursary was presented at Hostex – Africa’s Food, Drink & Hospitality Expo, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. The long-standing partnership between SA Chefs and Hostex, spanning more than three decades, continues to play a meaningful role in supporting skills development across South Africa’s hospitality industry.
The Bryan Montgomery Bursary Fund provides financial support towards tuition fees for aspiring chefs studying at SA Chefs-accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) member institutions. It is sponsored by Montgomery Africa and awarded to a candidate who demonstrates both potential and commitment to a career in professional cookery.
For Hope Msibi, the bursary represents a turning point.
“It means I can focus fully on my studies,” she says. “It takes a lot of the financial pressure off my family and myself, and gives me the opportunity to pursue what I love.”
Her mother, Botle Msibi, who attended the award presentation, spoke candidly about the impact of the bursary on their family.
“This is a blessing… a gift,” she said. “Culinary training is expensive, and as a family we have felt that pressure. This support means so much — it lifts a weight off us.”
Currently in her third year of the professional chef programme, Hope has already begun shaping her future ambitions, with a particular interest in product development within the food industry.
Commenting on the award, Chef Tommie Hurter, Education Director of SA Chefs, said the bursary reflects the industry’s responsibility to invest in its future.
“The Bryan Montgomery Bursary Fund is about recognising potential and removing barriers. Hope represents the kind of talent our industry needs — committed, passionate and forward-thinking. Through this partnership, we are able to support young chefs in taking the next step in their journey.” The presentation of the bursary at Hostex highlights the continued role of the exhibition as a platform not only for innovation and business, but also for education and opportunity within the hospitality sector
