Chef with a big heart
Observatory – He is a self-taught chef, and everything he knows was because of his desire to learn.
Joseph Slavhe from Yeoville is a self-taught chef who took an opportunity to learn and ended up being a professional in his line of work.
“I came to Joburg like many to look for work. I was not sure what job I will get but was willing to work and put food on the table,” said Slavhe. He added that when he got to Joburg he depended on word of mouth about jobs available.
“At that time, you asked people who worked, for information on jobs. A friend who worked at a [children’s] home told me when a job opportunity opened and I went to see his manager. I didn’t have much experience besides being a tea boy at the firms I worked for,” said the 57-year-old. He said that at the time, he was not sure what he would be doing but he was happy to find work.
“I was hired and my job was to make sandwiches for children in the nursery [school]. For two years, I made sandwiches and that is where my journey with the Johannesburg Children’s Home began, in 1975.”
He said after 41 years of working at the home and cooking for children, he has learned a lot about them. “When you cook for children you get to understand them. You learn what they like and don’t like.
“But most importantly, working at the home I got to understand the difficulties children face when they don’t receive love. My job is not only to cook for them but also make them smile through the food I prepare. When I see them I make jokes and talk to them and, sometimes, that is all they need – someone to just talk to them.”
His journey as a chef took some time because he knew nothing about being a chef and cooking. “After two years of making sandwiches I was moved to the kitchen and that is when I got to see how the chef ran the kitchen and how food was prepared.
“In 1979 I was promoted to head chef and that was an achievement for me. Because I did not know anything about cooking, and because I wanted to learn, I worked hard and would try new things by simply following a recipe, and that worked.”
He said his dedication was noticed by the home and he was sent for professional training. Slavhe said working at the home has offered him opportunities and he is grateful. He is now the kitchen supervisor. “The home has put faith in me and believed in me. I take care of the children by making sure that they are fed every day by me and my team cooking for them. It’s the part I play in the wellbeing of the children. I want them to eat healthily and be happy.”
He said he is proud to be working for the home and being part of the work they do. “I was lucky to receive this opportunity back in my time when I did not even have a formal education.
“Dedication and passion led me here, but young people should not think that this is how things are now. Times have changed and education is important.
“You must have an education to open doors for you. Hard work and dedication will take you far, complemented by education.”
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