Over 25 years of experience
in fine dining & hospitality management
in fine dining & hospitality management
Our Mission
Established in 2000
in Bloemfontein, South Africa
in Bloemfontein, South Africa
The school's vision is to deliver world-class chef training that goes beyond just creating delicious dishes. They aim to inspire creativity and innovation in culinary arts while consistently upholding the highest standards of quality.
Olive Chef School is an internationally recognized culinary institution, offering chef training courses that are truly exceptional. Here, you can earn an international City & Guilds Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking (Culinary Arts), with registration number 843 255, accredited in over 100 countries.
Additionally, Olive Chef School offers a QCTO certificate, acknowledged by the Department of Higher Education. In 2025 we are also in the process of adding additional accreditation.
We have a 96% work rate after completion of the Course. The flexibility of Olive Chef School's culinary course allows students to tailor their skills for the industry. With formal, certified training, graduates can pursue a range of careers, including chef, caterer, food stylist, hotel chef de cuisine, food and beverage manager, test kitchen professional, restaurant manager, and kitchen manager.
Olive Chef School is an internationally recognized culinary institution, offering chef training courses that are truly exceptional. Here, you can earn an international City & Guilds Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking (Culinary Arts), with registration number 843 255, accredited in over 100 countries.
Additionally, Olive Chef School offers a QCTO certificate, acknowledged by the Department of Higher Education. In 2025 we are also in the process of adding additional accreditation.
We have a 96% work rate after completion of the Course. The flexibility of Olive Chef School's culinary course allows students to tailor their skills for the industry. With formal, certified training, graduates can pursue a range of careers, including chef, caterer, food stylist, hotel chef de cuisine, food and beverage manager, test kitchen professional, restaurant manager, and kitchen manager.
Our Programmes
At Olive Chef School, students have the flexibility to choose between two chef training programmes: a comprehensive 28-month course or a fast-paced 12-month option.
The 28-month course culminates in an internationally recognized diploma, opening doors to global culinary opportunities. While the 12-month programme provides a solid foundation in essential chef skills, perfect for those eager to jumpstart their culinary journey.
Our Programmes
The 28-month course culminates in an internationally recognized diploma, opening doors to global culinary opportunities. While the 12-month programme provides a solid foundation in essential chef skills, perfect for those eager to jumpstart their culinary journey.
Accreditation
City & Guilds
City & Guilds is the UK’s leading awarding body, offering 500+ qualifications across 28 sectors through 8,500 providers. Its mission is to set global standards for workplace skills by delivering quality training, assessment, and career support for individual and economic growth.
QCTO – Quality Council for Trades & Occupations
The QCTO, established under South Africa’s Skills Development Act, develops and certifies occupational qualifications. It ensures accredited providers meet national standards and supports a skilled workforce across technical and trade sectors.
CATHSSETA
Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality & Sport Sector Education and Training Authority Created in 2001, CATHSSETA promotes skills development in the arts, culture, heritage, tourism, hospitality, sport, and recreation sectors through training grants and quality monitoring aligned with the National Skills Development Strategy.
City & Guilds is the UK’s leading awarding body, offering 500+ qualifications across 28 sectors through 8,500 providers. Its mission is to set global standards for workplace skills by delivering quality training, assessment, and career support for individual and economic growth.
QCTO – Quality Council for Trades & Occupations
The QCTO, established under South Africa’s Skills Development Act, develops and certifies occupational qualifications. It ensures accredited providers meet national standards and supports a skilled workforce across technical and trade sectors.
CATHSSETA
Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality & Sport Sector Education and Training Authority Created in 2001, CATHSSETA promotes skills development in the arts, culture, heritage, tourism, hospitality, sport, and recreation sectors through training grants and quality monitoring aligned with the National Skills Development Strategy.
Rinette Enslin
Executive Chef and Founder
Rinette Enslin, Executive Chef and Owner of Olive Chef School, has over 25 years of culinary experience. After establishing 5-star restaurants in Knysna and Bloemfontein, she founded Olive Chef School in 2000. Rinette’s career is marked by her global culinary expertise and contributions to the industry.
Rinette Enslin, Executive Chef and Owner of Olive Chef School, has over 25 years of culinary experience. After establishing 5-star restaurants in Knysna and Bloemfontein, she founded Olive Chef School in 2000. Rinette’s career is marked by her global culinary expertise and contributions to the industry.
NICO AUGUSTYN
Head Chef
Beginning his career in 2004, his passion for cookery quickly became evident during his apprenticeship at Olive Chef School, where he excelled and caught the attention of his tutors with his dedication and skill. After earning his Advanced Diploma in Culinary Art, he gained valuable experience working at prestigious establishments like the Lone Creek River Lodge and Yum Restaurant under renowned chef Dario de Angeli, where he was honored as Top Chef of the Year in 2006.
Beginning his career in 2004, his passion for cookery quickly became evident during his apprenticeship at Olive Chef School, where he excelled and caught the attention of his tutors with his dedication and skill. After earning his Advanced Diploma in Culinary Art, he gained valuable experience working at prestigious establishments like the Lone Creek River Lodge and Yum Restaurant under renowned chef Dario de Angeli, where he was honored as Top Chef of the Year in 2006.
RUANDA CHANTEL
Sous Chef and Kitchen Manager
For as long as I can remember I have had a love for food and cookery. My entry into the world of gastronomy began with my induction into Olive Chef School. On completion of my Advanced Diploma in Culinary Art I qualified in 2009.
For as long as I can remember I have had a love for food and cookery. My entry into the world of gastronomy began with my induction into Olive Chef School. On completion of my Advanced Diploma in Culinary Art I qualified in 2009.
Chantel Lubbe
Front of House and Administration
After matric in 2001, I obtained my B Tech Hospitality Management degree at Central University of the Free State in 2009
After matric in 2001, I obtained my B Tech Hospitality Management degree at Central University of the Free State in 2009
Testimonials
Recent students we’ve had the pleasure to work with.
"12-hour days are standard. But also, be ready to enjoy the company of your classmates, who will come from all over the country. With everyone sharing the same passion, you'll quickly find yourself surrounded by new friends."
"I trained under the guidance of Head Chef Nicolaas Augustyn at Olive Chef School. During this time, he has devoted himself to his students in giving them exceptional training both theoretical and practical. His is still to this day my Mentor and will always be my Mentor! I am privileged to still be working with him and to call him one off MY Best Friends."
- Ruanda Hewetson
"I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU! Thank you for the opportunity you gave Jordan! I am so gratefull that I met you and gratefull that my child was “saved”. Rinet I was so worried about Jordan and now she is a NEW person! She is so happy! She is socializing and taking part in life! Thank you so much! What your school is doing is so amazing!"
Let's Work
Together
Have questions or want to learn more about joining Olive Chef School?
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re curious about our programmes, events, or partnerships, our team is here to help. Get in touch with us today and take the first step toward your culinary journey.