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By Cynthia Nkgudi
Driven by his love for food and hospitality, Khomotjo Mashabela a 33 year old passionate culinary professional who has worked hard in building his successful company that continues to make waves in the food industry, has gained skills at a tender age. Having to be raised by his grandmother in Ga-Mashabela village in Sekhukhune, and him being an older child in his family, inspired his journey “ I started cooking at an early age, my granny instilled in me both the love and skill for preparing food because I was an older child, having to pay attention at the family gatherings also played a huge role. Growing up, cooking for me served as an inspiration rather than punishment as others would see it” Said Khomotjo
After matriculating in 2013 at Nkgonyeletje Secondary School and later pursued his passion at Capricorn TVET College where he successfully obtained his National Diploma in Hospitality and catering services, he found himself in a female dominating industry where that has served as an advantage for him. He grabbed the opportunity and wanted to excel. That also earned him more customers as people got eager to taste the food cooked by a man. According to Mashabela, the journey was not without challenges. Starting out meant working with limited resources but his vision and belief in his craft kept him going “Not having enough equipment when we started, I had to rent out or even ask fellow caterers to borrow me, who would sometimes change on me at the last hour. These catering equipment are also expensive, one needs enough budget to purchase new ones and remember you cannot serve people in old crusty serving dishes” Said Khomotjo further stating how people in this business are gate keepers when it comes to sharing important information. Employing about 20 people in a way of eradicating poverty also comes with its challenges that includes, employees not pitching for work sometimes “I have employees who are young and would go party the storm and fail to report to work while we have people to serve. Families expecting a 5 star service while not buying food according to the list we might have provided and end up getting negative feedback also challenges us” He said
His catering company Morwa’Matladi Events that has been operating successfully for eight years, provides services for weddings, corporate functions, birthdays and community celebrations. Mashabela currently serves as a kitchen manager at Henry Oppenheimer Agricultural High School where he oversee daily kitchen operations.
Looking into the future, Mashabela plans to expand his business, having it opeeating throughout the provinces and also owning an African cuisine restaurant.
