Westville tea maker enjoys simple things
Mkhwanazi spends his time time creating new and exciting blends of tea, and fresh ideas as to how to brew it.
AN aspiring tea maker, Zamindlela Mkhwanazi, enjoys the simple things in life, tea being among his favourites. Mkhwanazi, who is from Westville, is a lifelong student of tea said his favourite childhood tea memory involves very simple Sunday tea parties with his grandmother.
He said his grandmother taught him to brew tea and how to serve. Mkhwanazi said he eagerly takes every lesson he can to heart.
“It is the simplicity that I love. You do not have to go to China to learn about tea, I learned from my grandmother on the KZN South Coast.”
Mkhwanazi puts his people skills down to the extensive experience gained studying a degree in housing and development at UKZN.
“When we were on project assignments we had to listen and try to understand what people wanted and needed. I learned the arts of listening and negotiation, which are crucial for someone in business.”
He said that having a tea business in Durban is very significant because of its rich history and cultural ties with tea through the Durban Indian community.
“Durban is such a beautiful place, it is hard to break through here but very much worth it. I want to take responsibility for being a role model to children. I want to create a platform for them and to give them hope. The grass is not always greener on the other side,” he said.
Mkhwanazi spends his time time creating new and exciting blends of tea, and fresh ideas as to how to brew it.
His hope is to create a tea garden where people can come in and enjoy a light meal and a fresh cup of tea from an extensive and exciting tea menu.
“A place where people can relax, and enjoy the culture and simplicity of tea, otherwise it loses its flavour. There’s no time to waste.”
People can share Mkhwanazi’s passion at Easy Eating’s season of specialised once-off culinary events on Friday, 6 November at 8 Morrison Street.
