A Senior Chef after studying at uMfolozi

Meet Mbalenhle Mthembu a 26 year-old Senior Chef at Hilton Hotel Durban and a fine product of uMfolozi TVET College.

She studied Hospitality at Esikhawini Campus against all odds. Mthembu’s mother passed away just before she could start high school and she was therefore raised by her aunt. However, high school is where she developed her passion for Hospitality and studied it as an extra subject with Tourism.

Mthembu who hails from uMlazi, relocated to Esikhawini after completing her matric where she enrolled for an NC (V) course in Hospitality. At that time the programme was still new and applicants could only do NC (V) which paved her way to success. “During those days there weren’t many opportunities but I learnt a lot from dedicated lecturers like Mrs Mngoma and Miss Nodolo, to name a few. They gave me a lot of courage and a lot of insight about my career and each day I fell in love with Hospitality over and over again. I’m doing what I love the most which is something I’ve always wanted and there are a lot of opportunities for anyone to grow,” said Mthembu.

Mthembu’s day to day tasks entail placing orders, rotation of menus, stock taking, managing the roster for staff, updating HACCP filing for QA, checking cleanliness of staff and the kitchen and to work during big events. In her spare time she enjoys reading which helps her to gain more knowledge and to view life in a different perspective. She also loves watching Food Network channels. One of her visions include, publishing a book which will inspire young chefs. She is currently studying towards a degree in Food Science part-time.

To the youth, “The sky is the limit never let anything hold you back in getting what you want but have faith and believe that everything is possible.”