THERE was no such thing as too many cooks spoiling the broth when 38 disabled student chefs graduated this week

After a year-long training period in Rosebank, Johannesburg, the students were done to a T.

The graduates, most of whom are deaf and some affected by polio, were part of a special learnership programme that began in 2007 and is organised by Tsebo Catering Solutions.

All the chefs are permanently employed by the catering firm and have been deployed to various companies nationwide.

One of the top four achievers, Christina Mofokeng, 43, is an albino from Sebokeng. She works at a Standard Bank cafeteria.

Mofokeng said she enjoyed her training and wished it could be extended for another year.

"Training was great but the business side is still very challenging. Daily services change daily, so more time should be given to understanding it."

The partially blind mother of two said dealing with hot things in the kitchen was hard, but she insisted she had it all under control.

"Every time I had to handle hot food I would be a bit nervous, but I convinced myself that I could do it and soon I was in control."

Mofokeng also owns a spaza shop and is a caregiver with the Disabled People of South Africa.

Three other graduates who were selected as top achievers included Vincent Phiri from Pretoria, Andisani Ramasimu from Thembisa and Themba Nyembe from Soweto.

One of the graduates will receive the surprise announcement of being awarded a fully paid three-year bursary to carry on with studies at a hospitality training institution in Randburg.

Learnership manager Faith Mncube said about the experience: "It's been a hectic year, but a learning curve for us all.

"Though communication was a problem, many employees in the company were willing to learn sign language, making it easier for the students to settle in."

Mncube said the main aim of the programme was to empower disabled people and give back to the community.

She mentioned that some of the challenges faced by people with disabilities in the hospitality industry included a support system.

"There is a lack of support, especially for albinos. The stigma people place on them is bad," she said.

This year DeafSA assisted in providing candidates for the course.

The criteria for the selected candidates included a literacy and numeracy assessment.

"We don't necessarily look for people with matric certificates, we just want those who can communicate, read and write," Mncube said.

"The main element we focus on is the drive one has for opportunity and the will to learn,"

Peter Delzell, national training manager, said: "Initially the programme was challenging.

"Classes took double the time due to interpretations, but we quickly got used to it.

"Though we began with 40 students and 38 completed, all the students achieved exceptionally good results."

Delzell said their formal national certificates were accredited under the Services Sector Education Training Authority, and was in line with the government's strategy to assist and empower the disabled. - monnakgotlam@sowetan.co.za