Siphokazi Mdlankomo’s story is not exactly one of rags-to-riches, but it is a tale of striving for success beginning from humble roots. Originally from Tsolo, a small village outside Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, home of Zozibini Tunzi, our own Miss Universe, she now has her own television show! Seems like there’s something special in the water there . . .
Raised by a single mother, Sipho’s love for cooking began when she was quite young. She learned to make traditional meals at home in a three-legged pot on an open flame, in the days when electricity was still a luxury. In 2001 she moved to Cape Town and was employed as a domestic helper. It was during these 14 years that the urge to cook grew stronger. She says that she learnt a tremendous amount about cooking there, trying out new recipes every day. Sipho had found her passion!
On to MasterChef South Africa
Her employers fanned the flames of this passion by encouraging her to enter cooking competitions. In 2014 she participated in MasterChef South Africa, learning more all the time she was there. Ultimately Sipho cooked herself a place into the top two contestants on the show! While she didn’t win the million rand, she picked herself up and carried on with her journey. She didn’t know she was already on the celebrity path!
The World Was Her Oyster
The fame she garnered from her time on MasterChef took Sipho further along the road. She began showcasing food brands and eventually landed her own TV show. A popular host of “Let’s Eat with Siphokazi” on the Mzansi Magic channel, she is also brand ambassador for a well-known South African food-products company.
In addition to publishing her first recipe book, “My Little Black Recipe Book”, Sipho is working on her second book which will come out later this year. She also has a Facebook page, Chef Sipho Gourmet Recipes, where she shares her recipes – all easy to cook from simple, inexpensive ingredients.
She has described the highlight of her career as “traveling to Spain to cook for 151 delegates from 51 countries around the world”.
A Changed Lifestyle
From living with her mother in a rural village, to living with her supportive employers, Sipho has now moved on to having her own place. She loves the independence. On the show she has also rubbed shoulders with many celebrity guests. Despite the success and the fame, Sipho still loves visiting her first employer and cooking a meal for her.
#ImStaying congratulates, Sipho, for not giving up and for taking on her challenges with courage, determination, and resilience. Although it has not all been a bed of roses, she is a wonderful example to people from all walks of life.
Best wishes for the rest of your journey. May you go from strength to strength!
Edited By: Val Bruce
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