In South Africa’s vibrant culinary landscape, trailblazers are a vital part of the system. Not only do they inspire and encourage the younger generation of chefs and food personalities, they help to preserve the rich food heritage for which our country is celebrated.  

The Eat Out Woolworths Trailblazer Award was created in 2023 to celebrate these movers and shakers and announced Siba Mtongana as the inaugural recipient and Bertus Basson as the 2025 winner. 

The award pays tribute to those who have not only blazed new trails but who have left an indelible mark on the industry. Beyond innovation, this accolade is a recognition of those whose passion, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering dedication have collectively made a positive impact, serving as an inspiration for future generations. 

With a shared commitment to excellence and an unwavering focus on quality, Woolworths’ sponsorship of this award reflects a natural alignment of values. The company’s dedication to supporting local producers, championing sustainable practices and fostering transformation within the food industry mirrors the very qualities that define culinary trailblazers. This sponsorship further cements Woolworths’ dedication to uplifting the industry. 

 

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Why trailblazers matter
Abigail Donnelly, Eat Out Culinary Director, explains the transformative power of these leaders: “I do believe trailblazers change our thought process – influencing not only how our menus evolve but also influencing product developers to create innovative products that end up on retail shelves. These visionaries push boundaries and shape the future, letting us know what’s next.” 

The mentorship aspect proves equally crucial. “Apart from innovation, they definitely mentor and inspire the younger generation, so we look up to these mentors, like the Liam Tomlins, Bertus Bassons and Luke Dale Roberts of the world,” Abigail notes. “Perhaps most importantly, they tell the stories that remind us of community and the meaning of different food cultures, showing us how we can preserve that heritage – and celebrate it.” 

Leaving a legacy through leadership
Siba Mtongana, award-winning chef, entrepreneur, TV personality and the 2023 Eat Out Woolworths Trailblazer Award recipient, exemplifies the award’s transformative impact. “Winning the Trailblazer Award was such a humbling and affirming experience,” she reflects. “It reminded me that staying true to my values of creativity, excellence and purpose really does make a difference. Personally, it was a beautiful moment of gratitude; professionally, it reinforced that South African food and talent deserve to shine on both the local and global stage.” 

 

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Siba’s approach demonstrates the award’s emphasis on creating lasting impact: “I have worked hard to create opportunities for others along the way, especially young chefs, women and people of colour, by sharing knowledge, opening doors and empowering them to take on leadership roles they might not typically have access to.” 

Future vision for South African cuisine
Looking ahead, Siba identifies key opportunities for future trailblazers: “The future lies in celebrating our local ingredients and food heritage in fresh, creative ways. There is so much untapped potential in our indigenous produce, traditional cooking methods and regional flavours.” 

Equally important is systemic change. “Sustainability and inclusivity must sit at the heart of innovation, from how we source ingredients to how we build and empower our teams,” she emphasises. “When we create spaces where creativity, representation and integrity thrive, the entire industry benefits.  

“Future trailblazers have the opportunity to push boundaries not just in flavour and presentation, but in systems and structures: building equitable supply chains, nurturing underrepresented voices and rethinking how restaurants operate in harmony with mental health, community upliftment and the well-being of the environment by sourcing responsibly.” 

Inspiring the next generation
The true measure of a trailblazer lies in their legacy. Siba views her role as “both a responsibility and a privilege”, explaining: “My mission has always been to show young chefs, especially women and those who do not often see themselves represented, that their voices, stories and flavours matter and the world awaits it.” 

Her practical impact demonstrates the award’s multiplying effect: “We are a woman-led business, where over 80 percent of the team is youth. It has been incredibly rewarding to see many grow into confident professionals and leaders in their own right. Part of the reward of receiving the Trailblazer Award is knowing that its impact goes beyond me: it amplifies the voices of all those I have mentored and empowers future trailblazers to believe in their own path.” 

Through recognising and celebrating these culinary pioneers, this award ensures that South Africa’s dining scene will continue to flourish, driven by those who dare to innovate while honouring the traditions that make our food culture so distinctive. 

Keep an eye on Eat Out’s channels as we build up to the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, where the 2026 Eat Out starred restaurants will be announced, as well as the winners of the 14 special awards.