Introducing Kgothatso Mathibe - Class of 2022
Kgothatso Mathibe / Photo: Kathy Pitout Photography
Kgothatso Mathibe
1. What inspired you to enrol at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine?
Thanks to KOO’s sponsorship I was able to enrol at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine where I knew the quality of education was superior. I want to learn as much as possible about the culinary industry.
2. What is your reason for choosing a career in the culinary industry?
Food brings me so much joy and I love sharing that joy with people.
3. What are you hoping to achieve here?
I am hoping to grow on a personal and professional level and to learn as much as I can.
4. Explain what you are prepared to give of yourself.
I am prepared to put in all the effort, time and dedication that I have towards my growth and the learning process.
5. What is your long-term goal?
It is to open a restaurant and be a cookbook author.
6. In how many years do you hope to achieve this?
Hopefully, in five years.
7. Are you aware that the pressure you’ll be placed under during the course will help you achieve your goal? Elaborate on your ability to cope with pressure.
With the proper planning, I am able to handle pressure well.
8. Do you shy away from hard work? Elaborate on your answer.
No, I do not shy away from hard work, I work hard towards anything that I put my mind to, and I make sure that I achieve my best.
9. Are you willing to perform all tasks related to the course – even if you consider the task menial? Give the reason for your answer.
I am willing to perform all tasks necessary because all tasks are essential to the smooth running of a kitchen/restaurant.
10. Are you aware that the hospitality industry requires you to work on weekends and public holidays while guests ‘play’? Comment on this.
I am aware that I will be working as guests ‘play’, and I am not bothered by it as serving people is one of the most important parts of the culinary industry.
11. Who is your favourite international ‘foodie’?
12. If food had a personality, what dish would be most like you – and why?
The dish that best suites my personality is oxtail, it's warm, hearty and inviting - just like me.
13. Where were you born and raised?
In Ga-Rankuwa, a township in Pretoria.
14. Apart from food what hobbies do you enjoy?
They include doing photoshoots at home, hiking with my friends, watching TV and dressing up to go out with my friends.
15. What dish do find least inspiring? Explain the reason.
Pap, because I think you cannot do much with pap. I also believe pap should always be prepared in a traditional way. Keep it simple and plain.
16. Name four celebrities you’d like to have at your dinner table. Explain why.
The first two celebrities I would love to have around the dinner table are Yoliswa Mqoco and Naomi Native. These two ladies are plus-size models, body-positivity activists and pioneers in the fat-acceptance movement. I find them inspiring and I would love to meet them. The last two celebrities are musical artists and I enjoy their music. I would invite Doja Cat and a South African favourite, Lira.