Cooking up a storm with Chef Tsibi
Gostebamang Tsibi Makwela, a local chef, is introducing her gastronomical skills to communities through her cooking classes.
Her classes aim to help people on what ingredients go together and how to use them creatively. “During the classes, we prepare a meal together, showing participants that good food does not take much time. We also spend time making sauces. The class broadens skills and opens up a world of variety in one’s cooking,” she said. “We also learn about meat, the different cuts, quality and what to use and when.
We cover meal planning which helps preparing meals less agonising. At the end of our session, we all dine together.” Chef Tsibi’s love for food started at a young age when she helped her mother prepare delicious meals for the family. At Merensky High School she took hotel and catering as a subject and from the first moment she put on the chef’s uniform, she knew that she wanted to be a chef. However, after school, she followed her family’s advice to follow a safer career.
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“I studied transport economics at Unisa, but it cribbled me. I ended up taking up my second love, journalism and graduated with a diploma,” she said. Her life changed when she was diagnosed with lupus (SLE), an inflammatory disease caused when the immune system attacks its tissues. The disease affects the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs. Going through her health challenges she decided to resign from her work.
She started an eatery called Magadini, however, she did not have any knowledge of running a business or costing. She eventually went to culinary school where she specialised in both culinary and pastry. She is now a qualified chef who caters for events and also helps out at Kings Walden Guesthouse in Agatha near Tzaneen.
She however warned people not to quit their jobs without a plan and money, because sometimes passion alone is not enough. Chef Tsibi told the Herald that she is now living a fulfilled life doing what she has always loved. To join her cooking classes or book her famous platters and bento cakes, call 068 539 9190 or follow Chef Tsibi on social media.
