KaNyamazane kasi kitchen queen proudly plies her trade

Thandi Sibanyoni, also known as Ma Thandi, has become one of the well-known street cookers in KaNyamazane.

She is known for making the best amagwinya, chips and kotas for over 20 years.

Sibanyoni said cooking food in the street has been an employment opportunity that has helped her raise her children and build her home.

“Employment has always been scarce, and even if you earn an income, it is never enough. What good would it have done for me if I just folded my arms and sat at home? This little shop has put bread on the table for decades. I managed to raise my children to be the women and men they are today,” she said proudly.

Her grandmother had taught her how to cook. “I used to help my grandmother in her street kitchen. She encouraged me to cook, so I opened my own kitchen to make money.”

ALSO READ: Pienaar entrepreneur imparts knowledge to young community girls

Sibanyoni said her food is loved by many and she appreciates the support she has received from her regular customers.

“People of Likazi love my food and that is what has kept me going for most of these years. Waking up at 03:00 in the morning every day is not easy. But knowing that at 05:00 there will people lining up to get some amagwinya is encouraging,” she said.

Whether it is raining or very hot, Sibanyoni said she always has customers after her food.

As some informal businesses are severely affected by load-shedding, she has managed to save some money to obtain a gas stove to continue making her delicious meals.

“It is not big, but it is enough to get me through the day, especially during the long load-shedding hours,” she said.

ALSO READ: Nsikazi gogos keep fit by playing soccer

Sibanyoni encourages young and old people to create their own businesses to earn an income.

“Cooking in the street is not an embarrassment. I am also passing on the business to my children the same way my grandmother did. My family is not poor today because of this little kitchen,” Sibanyoni said.