As Women’s Month draws to an end, we highlight the journey of a professional chef who has followed her passion.
Nomusa Khwela’s journey into the culinary world began in childhood, fuelled by a curiosity about the art of cooking.
“Growing up, I was fascinated by my mother’s exceptional cooking skills. Eventually, this curiosity about the ingredients she used, and how they were combined, ignited my passion for the culinary arts,” said the 49-year-old Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom Chef de Partie.
Khwela pursued her culinary education at ML Sultan Hotel School, now known as the Durban University of Technology. During her studies, she began working at the Durban ICC, and upon completing her education, remained there full-time until 2003.
In 2004, she joined Sibaya Casino as a Commis Chef. With 20 years of experience at Sibaya Casino, she earned a promotion to her current position as Chef de Partie in 2010. As a Chef de Partie, Khwela is responsible for supervising the junior team to prepare dishes to the requirements as set by the Sous Chef or Executive Sous Chef.
Khwela’s signature dish is grilled lamb chops, locally sourced from the Midlands, served with creamy crushed potatoes and roasted vegetables. The choice of lamb chops as her signature dish speaks to Khwela’s deep understanding of traditional culinary techniques combined with a modern touch. Her culinary philosophy is centred around teamwork, as she advises aspiring chefs, “You cannot become a great chef if you do not have a great team.”
“As a Chef de Partie, my journey has taught me that the kitchen is where passion and hard work come together. To women considering a career in this industry: embrace the challenges and trust in your abilities. The culinary world is demanding but deeply rewarding.
“If you’re stepping into this field, know there’s space for you at the table. Seek mentors and build a strong support network. I’ve had the privilege of mentoring young women in our learnership programme and seeing them grow is one of the most fulfilling parts of my job. Let’s continue to uplift and empower each other,” said Khwela.
