Newcastle chef seasons TV screens
Mnikathi concluded that in the very near future, he saw himself running his own restaurant and writing at least two cookbooks, and added he was inspired by other chefs like Jamie Oliver and Edward Khumalo.
Local chef, Zibusiso Mnikathi (33) cooked up a storm on eTV’s The Morning Show recently.
Mnikathi grew up in Madadeni and attended Sabela Senior Secondary School. He then went to Majuba FET College to study for a National Diploma in Hospitality Management, and continued to study at Capsicum Culinary Studio for an International Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking.
He said his father played a huge role in his life, and is the one who planted the seed of cooking in him:
“I grew up watching my dad cook and he would ask me to chop and do some preparations for him. I also started buying food magazines and watching cooking programmes. After I finished studying, I was employed but then soon got fired. I am currently self-employed and running my own catering company called ‘The Culinary Kitchen’. I also host cooking classes and fine dining luncheon experiences.”
He said appearing on eTV’s morning show was a dream come true.
“I would say being featured on a live TV programme was by the grace of God. It was amazing; I asked myself how a boy from Madadeni in Newcastle can be featured on TV? I received a text from one of the show’s employees, requesting they would like to feature me as a guest chef and I said yes.
The show took place at Steyn City in Johannesburg on August 28, with well-known presenter, William Lehong. I recently received another message saying I’ll be featured again this month for Heritage Day.” Minikathi shared his favourite dishes to prepare: “In winter, I love to work with pasta because it can create warm, hearty meals. In summer, I love making fresh exotic salads for my clients, accompanied by a glass of white sparkling something.”
He confessed that being a success in the hospitality industry was not as easy as it may seem.
“To be honest, hospitality is not an easy career. It requires a lot of passion, confidence and consistency. With these three characteristics, you can definitely make it to the top.”
Mnikathi concluded that in the very near future, he saw himself running his own restaurant and writing at least two cookbooks, and added he was inspired by other chefs like Jamie Oliver and Edward Khumalo.
He assured the youth everything was possible, if they just pursued their dreams until they were tangible.
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