SASOLBURG – Kota is just a Kota unless prepared with love.
And this is proven by tantalising kotas from Maplankeng Point One in Sasolburg.
From being a Hospitality Management Diploma holder from the Vaal University of Technology, to being a kota queen, Masechaba Selema explains how she fell in love with the kitchen.
The 31-year-old Sasolburg resident said her idea started as a revenue creator, however now, helping others put food on the table is her dream.
Dripping with sauce, stuffed with lettuce and big potato chips, these are some of her favourite meals served to her patrons.
Besides platters, her famous kota is said to be the best in town, and Ster can confirm it.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Selema explained how the idea was born.
“Maplankeng Point One is a baby to Vaal Maplankeng, a kota establishment overseen by my partner. When we migrated the business, we decided on the name Point One because Sasolburg is a different part of the country. We sell Kotas and platters, however, our specialty is in making what people term ‘Kota tsa Varsity’,” she said.
“We focused more on the style of packaging, how the presentation of how our kota look. Sauces are our go-to crowd-pleasers. Seeing our sauce dripping like that in a kota will definitely entice you for a bite,” she added.
Selema said they migrated the idea, resonating from places like Soweto to give their township the most expensive tasty kota.
With every business having a story to tell.
“My story is different, I wouldn’t say I always loved cooking. I chose a career in Hospitality Management because I love serving people and working with my hands. I fell in love with cooking later after taking a decision to open a kota joint.”
“People here are very amazed with our kota, and I have never received negative comments on our products. Our highest is a mega kota for R70 with ribs, and burger patties among many other ingredients,” she said.
Selema said she also gives an opportunity to local kids during holidays to keep them away from the streets.
We have six employees now and we frequently bring youngsters as a motivation to move them from the streets. They help us as a way to keep busy,” she said.
Advising on starting a business, Selema said: “It’s difficult to start a business, but the vision and the concept should allow you to take the first leap of faith. Don’t start with high expectations, just inflict patience and all should come alright.”
