Make your mark for Joburg

The Johannesburg Tourism Company is calling on everyone to vote for Joburg to host the 2016 World Association of Chefs’ Societies Congress.
IT is time for all chefs and food lovers to unite in support of Joburg’s bid to host the 2016 World Association of Chefs’ Societies Congress, and the Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC) is calling on all residents to put their vote forward to make it a reality.

Chefs from around the world will attendWACS represents about 10 million chefs from around the world“We are rallying up support ahead of the vote in Korea in May so now is the time to cast your vote,” says the company’s acting chief executive officer, Phelisa Mangcu.

South Africa, and in particular Joburg, are in the running to host the congress, against Greece and Turkey. All votes count, so the JTC is urging everyone to show their love for the city of gold and make their mark.

Voting can be done by simply visiting the Facebook page dedicated to the bid. All you need to do to cast your vote is click on “Like” and share the link. “We appreciate your support and are looking forward to bringing home a win,” Mangcu says.

The World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS) is a global network of chefs’ associations and a non-profit organisation representing approximately 10 million chefs from over 93 countries. It was established at the Sorbonne in Paris in October 1928; that first congress hosted 65 delegates from 17 countries and it grew rapidly thereafter.

WACS’ primary aim is to maintain and improve the culinary standards of global cuisine, which it does through education, training and professional development. Its congresses are held biennially, and serve to celebrate the accomplishments of the organisation, as well as share ideas and knowledge that will enhance the standard of global cuisine.

WACS 2016The last congress was held in Santiago in Chile in 2010, while Daejeon in South Korea will host this year’s gathering.

Should Joburg receive enough votes, South Africa will be the first country in Africa to host a WACS congress. It would be held at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Joburg. Mangcu says: “Our conventions and events bureaux have been actively involved in the bid and have put together a comprehensive programme to showcase the best attractions our city has to offer.

“We fully appreciate the hosting of WACS 2016 will do much to boost our country’s status within the international community and help increase awareness of our traditional cuisine. It also has the potential to generate increased tourism to our country in the form of pre- and post-event tours and we will certainly be highlighting very compelling reasons to host WACS 2016 when we present in Korea this year.”

WACS 2012 will run from 1 May to 5 May, and the outcome of the 2016 bid will be announced during its course.