Cooking up in a storm in the culinary industry
Whenever it was her mother's turn to cook the star meal for family and friends, Charity Mothapo jumped at the opportunity to help in the kitchen.
POLOKWANE – “All our family and friends would get together over the weekends, making turns to prepare and cook traditional food, pastries and salads. Helping my mom in the kitchen whenever it was her turn to prepare the food developed my passion for cooking. Seeing people enjoy the food I prepared, with expressions of pure bliss on their faces, only added to my enthusiasm to become a chef,” she told BONUS.
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“I started compiling a book of all the recipes which inspired me and it wasn’t long before my comparing, tasting, smelling and mixing all the various elements of each recipe developed my delicate palate. I soon began creating my own masterpieces.”
As she grew older she told her parents she wanted to pursue a career within the culinary industry.
“They weren’t keen about the idea and said I should first get a real job and then explore making food. I completed a safety management course at the Tshwane University of Technology and began working at the municipality where I promoted bus transportation in the city. Not giving up on my dream of becoming a chef, I applied for a learnership programme at Bidvest Catering where I am currently training to become a professional chef. It is my dream to open my own coffee house where I can indulge my clients with delicious pastries and delightful hot beverages.”
Charity loves modern African food and finds inspiration from celebrity chef, Siba Mtongana.
“Cooking completely changes my mood every time I set foot in a kitchen. It automatically makes me happy. Eating is something that always makes everyone happy and for me it is one of the greatest feelings seeing someone’s mood change completely when they enjoy one of my dishes. If I had to choose favourite dishes, it would have to be beef stew and cauliflower,” she concluded with a smile.
