As we head into the last week of August, we continue to recognise National Women’s Day, which South Africa Celebrated on the 9th of August. We have dedicated the whole month of August to the women who play such an important role in making Morukuru Family the award-winning enterprise that it is. This is our opportunity to say “thank you” for choosing to be part of our team.
Doreen Moswang works behind the scenes as part of our kitchen team at Morukuru Family De Hoop. We caught up with her so that you can get to know her a little better.
Do you have a female role model? Connie Ferguson is my role model. Overseas people might not know this, but Connie is a South African-based Botswana actress, filmmaker, producer and businesswoman. She is best known for her role as "Karabo Moroka" in South Africa's most popular soap opera, Generations.
Food is a huge part of your life - what’s your favourite meal to share with your family?
My days are really busy assisting the team with all the catering needs of our guests. Obviously I love that, but when I’m home, I just enjoy spoiling my family with something simple like a delicious chicken curry and rice. I have learnt a few tips from our head chef - so I tease my family that they are getting something extra special. LOL!
Working in the kitchen at Morukuru Family De Hoop can get pressured - what tips do you have to handle stressful situations? Everyone knows the saying, “ If you can’t take the heat - get out of the kitchen”. That one is so true. It can be a hectic environment, but I just get on with my tasks and even sing and make jokes to cheer up everyone around me.
Are you into music - can you tell us about some of your favourite artists or what you like to listen to? My favourite artist is Celine Deon. She is the Queen, and I respect her for being able to do such magic with her voice. Whatever she sings - pop, rock, R&B, gospel or classical she makes it her own.
What is your favourite dish to prepare using fresh fruit? Nothing beats a chutney prepared with unripe mango. I’m a big fan of Mango Chutney made of mango, spices, vinegar, and sugar. It has a sweet and sour taste with a spicy tinge, and it goes really well with curry and rice.
What do you like to do in your spare time? When I get time off - the coach is my friend - and I enjoy catching up on some of my favourite TV shows.
Meet Ahkanya Mgxigxwa, works alongside Doreen. Read on to get up close and personal with Ahkanya and discover which traditional recipe she learnt from her mum.
When you were growing up - which women did you look up to? Growing up, I always admired my mum. She is my hero!
Tell us about the favourite recipe that you learnt from your mum? My mum is more of a traditional woman, and she passed on many recipes which are part of our culture. My favourite is Umngqusho (a combination of Samp and Sugar beans) which is one of Xhosa's traditional meals.
What’s your favourite colour and why? My favourite colour is yellow – It symbolizes positivity and happiness and is also bright.
Tell us what your name means? Akhanya means brightness, it also means bringing light to someone’s life. Maybe that has something to do with me loving the colour yellow!
Do you have a sweet tooth? And which dessert at Morukuru Family De Hoop is your favourite? Do I have a sweet tooth – NO. However, I do like making desserts. My favourite dessert at Morukuru is Tiramisu. I love it because of the blended flavours blended. It is not too sweet, and the coffee flavour in it is to die for.
Which special talents do you think women bring to the kitchen? The kitchen is a very busy place. Women bring passion, creativity, multitasking and resilience and also team spirit. And at home, women create an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness.