In celebration of Women’s Month, Southern Sun, one of the leading hospitality groups, spotlights female chefs to share their inspiring journeys and nuggets of knowledge for those who aspire to follow suit in the culinary world.
The group reveals that the listed exceptional women have surpassed barriers, mastered their craft, and have led their teams with passion, showcasing their unique contributions to the culinary world.
Amina Lebelo
One of these women is Amina Lebelo, executive chef at Riverside Sun’s Culinary Landscape, who has been a trailblazer in the culinary industry for over three decades.
Lebelo, whose journey has been a testament to perseverance, passion, and the relentless pursuit of culinary excellence and who has grown into a multifaceted leader, cites her sister as her source of inspiration and numerous mentors throughout her career.
Her personal signature dish is a vibrant chicken tikka salad, celebrated for its rich, fresh flavours and the use of fresh herbs and spices.
Lebelo advises young talent to prepare for long hours and modest pay, focus on hard work, creativity, and resilience, use fresh ingredients, embrace feedback, and experiment with new dishes for culinary growth.
Angelique Frost
Frost, the executive chef, also brings passion and skill to Southern Sun Rosebank; her journey into the culinary world began in her childhood kitchen, where she found joy in helping her aunt prepare family meals.
For Frost, being a chef is more than just a job, but a lifelong passion and a challenging career in a male-dominated field.
She believes success in the culinary industry requires love, dedication, and resilience, but finds the rewards worth the effort despite challenges and hard work.
Yumna Ismail
Ismail, a talented pastry sous chef at Southern Sun Cape Sun, brings a blend of passion, creativity, and dedication to her role.
Her love for making delicious treats was first sparked in her early years when she baked with her mother in the kitchen.
Ismail is a pastry chef extraordinaire thanks to her Level 2 Diploma in Food Preparations and Cooking (Pâtisserie) from Capsicum Culinary Studio. She has also mastered chocolate work and sugar crafts.
Ismail's studied professionally at Capsicum Culinary Studio, where she became a certified pâtisserie chef in 2016.
Saturday Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za