It has been a beautiful August - celebrating Women's Month. We have had such fun sharing our amazing female colleagues' personal stories, anecdotes, memories, dreams, and achievements. The month is almost over, but we will continue to appreciate and celebrate the fabulous women who make up our Morukuru Family.
We sign Women’s Month off by sounding out Mmasabata Afrika, our Chef at AtholPlace House & Villa and Yvonne Tshuma who works her magic in the scullery at Morukuru Family Madikwe.
Here’s what Mmasabata shared with us.
Tell us about your training to become a Pastry Chef. My training to become a pastry chef was quite challenging. I was starting from scratch, and I knew nothing about pastry. I wanted to throw in the towel at one point because I had almost lost my drive to learn this specialist craft. The pressure was just too much, but I've learned to be patient with myself.
Tell us about the favourite recipe that you learnt from your mum. Mouth-watering scones! The recipe has been passed down from my grandmother to my mum and now to me. So it is really special to me, and I consider it a kind of family tradition.
What’s next - what skills do you want to learn in the future? I’m focussed on more creativity in the kitchen and am channelling my "Michelin star" vibe. I’m also working hard at developing my very own recipes.
Tell us what your name means. Mmasabata means a female child born on the Sabbath (day of rest).
Which special talents do you think women bring to the kitchen? That’s a no-brainer! Women have an in-built ability to multitask.
Food is a huge part of your life - what’s your favourite dessert to share with your family? I never go wrong with a South African classic - a traditional milk tart. They love it
Working in the kitchen can get pressured - what tips do you have to handle stressful situations? Take a deep breath, Be organised and remember that you can always ask for help.
Meet Yvonne Tshuma who makes magic behind the scenes at Morukuru Family Madikwe
Where were you born? I was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
How many years have you been at Morukuru Family? I’m a fairly new hire. I have been here for ten months and am learning every day.
Are you into music - can you tell us about some of your favourite artists or the type of music you like to listen to? Yes! Gospel music is my go-to, and my favourite artist is Rebecca Malope
What’s the most important advice you have been given, and who gave it to you? I must credit my husband for sharing this advice: The day you plant the seed is not the day you eat the fruit be patient and humble, keep moving forward and know that all this hard work you’re putting in day in and day out will produce the result you have been looking for and remember your time is coming, do not give up.
When you get some time off from the lodge - what do you like to do? The first thing I do is schedule a visit to my family in Kwazulu Natal and spend some quality time. And I also like to catch up on my studies when I have any spare moments.
What are you grateful for today? I am grateful for my husband, my kids, and my job.
What’s something you want to get better at/or a skill you want to learn? I’m very interested in the Beauty Industry and am determined to work and study hard to learn those skills.