Chef Maritha Steyn
Chef Maritha founded Steyn’s Culinary School in Hatfield, Pretoria in 2003 with a clear intention: to create a school that felt like a kitchen and not a classroom. Somewhere warm, rigorous, and human — where students of any age or background could learn to cook properly.
Over 23 years and more than 1,200 graduates later, that intention has not changed. Chef Maritha still teaches, still knows most of her students by name, and still believes that cooking is one of the most important skills a person can have.
She leads the full professional chef programmes and oversees the overall academic direction of the school.
FOUNDER
Chef Maritha Steyn,founder
PRINCIPAL
Chef David Steyn
Having grown-up in the kitchen under Chef Maritha Steyn, David has had a love for the kitchen from a young age. He has a passion for training and education and loves to see students find deeper understanding in the theory and practical elements of chef training.
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
Adele Bekker
HEAD OF OPERATIONS
With a background in hospitality management, Adele has a lot of experience in managing kitchens and ensuring that operations run smoothly. Adele manages all applications and registrations with accrediting bodies both locally and with international accrediting bodies.
Chef Janet Cruywagen
BAKING AND PASTRY SPECIALIST
Janet leads all baking and pastry instruction at Steyn’s, from the Basic Baking part-time course through to the advanced sourdough workshops and the full Patisserie Diploma. Students consistently describe her teaching as transformative.
Arête Els
OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Arête is our office assistant and manages all communication with clients and students. She is always friendly and willing to help any enquiries that are sent to the school.
OUR ACCREDITATIONS
Qualifications
that mean something.
Steyn’s is accredited to award qualifications that are recognised by employers, industry bodies, and academic institutions in South Africa and internationally.
QCTO
Quality Council for Trades and Occupations. QCTO Occupational Certificates are the national standard for trade and occupational qualifications in South Africa.
International awarding body. Our Highfield qualifications are recognised by employers across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East as well as South Africa.
Highfield International
SACA
Steyns Culinary School is a proud member of the South African Chefs' Association and all courses offered at the school are endorsed by the association.