Introducing Phumla Zakwe - Class of 2020
“This year has flown – and yet it hasn’t. 2020 will go down as months of instability as we question how, why, what, where, when… The festive season, however, is upon us and I always look forward to this time because I meet aspiring young chefs who aim to make their respective mark in the culinary industry. ”
These prospective students will be enrolling for our 2021 18-month or three-year options and I look forward to introducing them to you in the new year.
Now to introduce you to one of the current students… Meeting Phumla Zakwe and her grandfather, Themba Aron Malevu, was a special moment for me, so I remember it very clearly. Phumla came across as shy but assertive and I could see in her eyes the hunger to be a part of the culinary industry. Her grandfather showcased a person who would go to any length for his granddaughter. I felt privileged to witness their deep, honest, and truly special relationship.
Phumla was born and raised in Estcourt. “I didn’t realise that doing consumer studies as a high school subject would spark in me a passion for food - well it did and now, I think, my love of food goes beyond my love of me,” she jokes with a twinkle in her eye. “I could be wrong, but I believe I was the only learner in my matric class who had an appreciation on food.”
Enthusiasm led Phumla to research culinary institutions and we are delighted that she found Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine. She says that her journey applying to the school was “amazing” and that once she’d stepped foot onto our property, she didn’t want to turn back.
“I couldn’t wait to be a student here, to learn more about food and wine” says Phumla, still overflowing with joy. “My family was very supportive of my career choice since we are a collection of nurses, lawyers, and teachers. I shall continue to push myself because I am confident my passion for food will help me reach my goal of being the best I can be.”
Phumla has chosen to share her recipe for jam-packed scones.
“It was many years ago that my grandmother made these scones for my grandfather,” she explains, adding that they were such a hit that her grandfather asked his wife to make them every day. “I remember that he would take them to work for lunch. This recipe means a lot to me because it’s my connection to my grandparents. My grandmother calls them the ‘famous scones to this man heart’.”
There you have it, ladies - the scones to your man’s heart. Please try this recipe and let us know if it worked for you. And - I take this opportunity to wish The Witness readers a happy festive season.
Visit www.jackiecameron.co.za to find out more about my Women’s and Men’s Chef Clothing Range. Remember Jackie Cameron Cooks at Home and Baking with Jackie Cameron – the books highlight all my foodie adventures. I always look forward to hearing from you so please communicate via email: jackie@jackiecameron.co.za.
Jackie Cameron - owner of Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in Hilton, KZN - for enquires email admin@jackiecameron.co.za.
Find me on Facebook – Jackie Cameron Cooks at Home, Twitter - @jackie_cameron and Instagram: @jackiecameronincolour
Food assistant and recipe developer: Phumla Zakwe
All photos by Kathy Pitout Photography