Chef Zamokuhle Mafuleka from South Africa talks about her love for cooking, how she began her culinary journey, and what motivates her, during her conversation with Roseline Johnson.
Roseline: Can We Know You Please?
Zamokuhle: I am Zamokuhle Mafuleka, from Empangeni, KwaZulu Natal.
I am a self-taught cook who grew up surrounded by cooking. My mother ran her business out of our kitchen, that’s where my devotion to food began. Which led me to turn ideas into perfected recipes. Another impact on my devotion to food is the compliments I frequently receive from people. I have been working as a travelling chef for the past two years.
I am currently holding an Emerge Africa Best Chef Award 2023. I am also studying towards my Honors degree in Journalism and have a registered business, Food Devotee. I have aspirations to open my own restaurant someday, as well as an African cuisine establishment.
Roseline: Why Do You Cook?
Zamokuhle: Cooking makes me feel better, Whether I am struggling with a low mood, anxiety, stress, or just a lack of motivation. It always excites me when I develop new recipes or try out new dishes. It just boosts my mood.
Roseline: What’s Your Favourite Memory Lane in the Kitchen?
Zamokuhle: Cooking out of the country for the first time, I was so excited and could not believe that my passion took me out of the country. It was an exciting experience and I got to work and develop new relationships with great cooks/ chefs from Mozambique, learning about their food and culture.
Roseline: Biggest Cooking Fail?
Zamokuhle: I’m not sure if it was a fail or the recipe given to me was a fail so I was working with a certain brand and I had to advertise their products on social media. So I used their recipe to prepare a meal as requested. It was a total disaster and no one was willing to finish their food that day at home. I was even scared to share the recipe on social media because I knew deep down that it did not taste as good as it looked 😂😂
Roseline: What is the Kitchen Equipment Used Most and Can’t Do Without?
Zamokuhle: The knife is the equipment I use most and can’t do without, to the extent that even when opening a tin I prefer using a knife instead of a tin opener. And also I think I can’t do without a knife because I use it almost every day from spreading bread to chopping onions.
Roseline: What’s Your Favourite Food to Cook?
Zamokuhle: I like making breakfasts especially shakshuka, it is easier to make, does not require many ingredients and time-saving meal.
Roseline: What Would You Like to Share with Our Audience?
Zamokuhle: In everything you do, try to be consistent. Consistency is important as it builds trust. That can be done in different ways like creating a routine for yourself that will help you stay productive. Consistency creates stability. Even though I am not where I want to be at the moment, consistency got me to where I am today.
Roseline: How Can We Connect with You?
Zamokuhle: You can connect with me on;
Instagram account: @zamo_mafuleka
Facebook: Zamokuhle Mafuleka
TikTok: @zamokuhlemafuleka
