Randfontein’s own Masterchef

Danny Venter, a 24-year-old chef from Randfontein tells his remarkable story of accomplishing greatness after hitting rock bottom.

Venter says he grew up in Randfontein where he lived on the streets. But he has gone from being a drug addict to manager of a franchise of 15 restaurants abroad.

“At the age of 19, I was a drug addict with no future and no goals in life. Before long I got arrested and spent some time in Krugersdorp prison. There I realised that I have reached rock bottom and that I must change my entire life,” says Venter.

During 2009 Venter enrolled at Westcol College in Randfontein with the goal of becoming a chef.

“With the help of Solidarity Helping Hand I was able to finish my studies and never looked back since,” says Venter. With his studies completed he got the opportunity to work in Dubai.

“I immediately grabbed the opportunity and moved to Dubai. At the age of 21, I was a kitchen manager for an Ocean Basket restaurant that I helped to open at the airport in Dubai,” says Venter.

Two years of climbing the ranks he was a corporate chef, training executive chefs to do their job effectively.

“Since I moved to Dubai, I have been working very hard to make a success of myself. I learnt how to prepare any cuisine and left my past behind,” says Venter.

He adds that his success came through hard work and dedication to his dreams.

“I want to encourage the youth always to be the best at what they do and never give up on their dreams,” says Venter.

“I have come a long way since I lived on the streets of Randfontein, but I know that it was only by grace, help from others and extremely hard work that I now am in the position to manage a franchise of 15 restaurants in Dubai,” says Venter.