Pink Platter: Creating jobs through cooking
Homophobia in some parts of South Africa remains a sour issue.
Therefore, it is vital for the young generation to raise awareness in a bid to fight such hate crime and also embrace the entrepreneurial skills of the youth.
This is according to Tumi Thandeka Mkhuma (28) and Palesa Morakile (31), who have established a catering company in Dawn Park called Pink Platter Events and Catering to address such a need.
Even though Dawn Park is well-known for its crime, Tumi said that despite the challenges, their company will hopefully create jobs and also raise awareness of the plight of the gay community.
“As a gay person, pink is our language and we in the community need to stand together,” said Tumi.
“I worked for an NGO but my contract was terminated when I asked for some assistance, time and support to further my studies. This was one of my driving forces that made me launch Pink Platter,” said Tumi.
“At some point, we want to help our employees and community members with skills development and education.”
Tumi said her mother passed away when she was only 15 years, and she subsequently was chased out of the house by her stepfather because of her sexual orientation.
Life got worse for Tumi, who had to fend for herself, when in 2009 she was sexually abused.
“It was the most difficult phase of my life to navigate, especially without the support of my parents.
“But today I am a survivor of prejudices and of sexual abuse.”
For more information, phone Tumi on 083 745 3118. – @NalediBoksburg
