WSU ALUMNI BEATS THE ODDS TO MAKE IT IN INTERNATIONAL KITCHENS

In a heartwarming tale of resilience and determination, WSU Hospitality Management graduate, Mandla Mahuleni, overcame unimaginable challenges compete with chefs on an international scale.

Now based in Ireland, the young chef from Cuntsula location in Mqanduli, reflects on growing up in poverty and facing numerous obstacles which shaped who he is today.

Raised by a single mother, Mahuleni and his seven siblings were left to take care of themselves while his mother went away to work. This is where he honed his cooking skills, making meals for his siblings.

“When I was young, I used to cook for my mother. She liked some of the stuff that I made, and she always gave me credit in everything that I cooked, telling me that if I could open my own restaurant people would never stop eating my food,” said Mahuleni.  

After passing matric from Dalindyebo High School, he enrolled at Walter Sisulu University to study a Diploma in Hospitality Management.

Following his graduation, Mahuleni got a job offer in Ireland to work as a chef in one of the top-class hotels in 2022. “I never thought I could travel to these countries, but I was lucky because I did hospitality management. We all know that everywhere you travel, there is some kind of hospitality,” said Mahuleni.

Sharing his experience as a first-time chef in Ireland, Mahuleni said that his introductory task was not easy, as he was assigned to cater for 200 guests for a wedding.

“The style of preparing food was different as I was used to British Cruisine than Ireland. They used Irish Cruisine, I made a few mistakes, but worked with a team that kept me focused. Sometimes I would use google and buy cook books to familiarise myself with Irish Cruisine,” he said.

Having experienced first hand what, it feels like to grow up in poverty, Mahuleni has plans of going back to his community to uplift other young people.

“My plan is to help people who are struggling like I did when I was still at school. I want to select a number of students from my high school, those who are in need of help and buy some uniforms,” said Mahuleni.

Mahuleni’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to one’s dreams.

BY: Sinawo Nkqayi