When growing up, a few markers in Tsholofelo Matsietsa’s childhood inspired him to start climbing the ladder on his way to become a renowned chef.
A grandmother who loved cooking in big pots and who used to gather her grandchildren around her during a meal, created such an impression on Matsietsa that it has guided him on his career path ever since.
“I grew up in my late grandmother’s house with my siblings and cousins. The house was full of kids who were hungry – not only for food, but also for success.
“Granny’s system of strict law and order taught us unity and progress. One could see the unity when it came to food.
“Granny would cook food with big pots to feed us all, and when we ate we gathered around her. She prefered to cook outdoors, although she owned an electric stove,”
Matsietsa (31), from Pampierstad, recalls.Amongst other achievements as a chef, Matsietsa won a silver star while competing against the best chefs during a West African culinary competition in March. This competition, hosted by Troveworld Entertainment from Cape Town, consisted of two days’ training to cook West African cuisine, followed by a day of competing.
“As the only South African that took part, it meant the world to me – I competed against the best and managed to beat a lot of them,” he comments.
Matsietsa was invited back by Troveworld for another competition in October.
“Being competitive has always driven me to enter cooking competitions with confidence, and I always bring my ‘First Class’ game,” he says, making special reference to the name of the winning team assembled.
Also in March, Matsietsa received a lot of support when doing a West African cuisine function at the Nare Boutique Hotel in Kimberley.
Mission ‘to take over the world’
While spending his school years at the Simon Medupe Primary School and the Kgomotso Secondary Science School, Matsietsa realised he had a passion for science, but also loved working with his hands.
“Our community had the best infrastructure back then. The youth always had motivation and positive influence. That’s how I was inspired to believe that I could become anything I wanted, as long as I worked hard and believed in myself.
“Growing up in Pampierstad taught me to develop a thick skin, but also to have fun and be inspired.”
After completing high school, Matsietsa went to Cape Town on a mission to find the best suitable institution at which to complete a tertiary education. As he was not certain what to study, he applied for different courses while staying with family.
A year later he enrolled at the North West University in Mafikeng to study BA Land Reform and Rural Development. However, he soon realised that an office-based career did not suit him. He then became involved in a few start-ups and non-profitable organisations.
“But out of everything I did, cooking was what I was best in.
“I figured I should persue a professional career in it.”
Matsietsa then enrolled at the Mafikeng Hotel School to study Professional Cookery, and managed to get a bursary from the Peermont Hotels Group.
“After finishing the course I was placed at the Hilton Sandton for training, which was the superbowl league for aspiring chefs.
“The placement was challenging, but motivating. Rubbing shoulders with the best chefs in the country was very inspiring, and competitiveness made us become even better chefs.”
As the founder of Tsholo First Class Enterprise, and being a private chef, Matsietsa moves from one place to another and has already worked in several provinces. Currently he is back in Kuruman, where he is training guest house staff. The proposal for a food festival is also taking up his time.
“I love Kuruman, as there is a lot of different people from different places who are always willing to try new cuisines,” he says.
Apart from rendering services for different celebrations and occasions, his enterprise also offers training, services for food and beverage functions, brand promotions, catering, consulting in menu upgrades and much more.
“I believe in offering services of high value and giving clients the best possible. I specialise in, among others, fine dining, exceptional grilling services and luxurious food presentation offered by qualified professionals.”
‘Go out there’
Matsietsa’s next goals are working with food institutions around the Northern Cape, while creating jobs and transferring skills to young people.
His message to the youth is simple.
“No one is going to give you opportunities. You need to go out there and create your own.
“Also, having ideas and not implementing it will not give results. It will stay a thought in one’s mind.”
He says putting the idea on paper and starting something from scratch will drive motivation and determination.
“As youth we have to think about our future, because we will be the leaders of tomorrow. We have to craft a path for generations coming after us.
“I wish our youth could look at the world from a broad point of view, and not just for the short term.
