Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE journey of a rising culinary entrepreneur, Buhlebenkosi Nkala, who made a mark in the industry by participating in last year’s United Nations Gastronomy Competition, began with simple training in tourism and hospitality at Phangani Vocational Training Centre in Insiza District.
Nkala, who hails from Umzingwane District, trained from 2015 to 2017 and graduated as the best student in Tourism and Hospitality.
She now owns an events company and has founded Kosiben Organics, which specialises in promoting local cuisine through products like umviyo and baobab fruit jam. She said her vocational training laid a solid foundation on which she has built her career.
Nkala shared her experiences with students who recently graduated during a combined graduation ceremony for Matabeleland South vocational training centres, held at Phangani Vocational Training Centre.
She urged fellow graduates to make full use of the skills they have acquired to become innovative and productive. Graduates should either develop their skills further through additional studies or utilise them to generate income, Nkala advised.
Last year, 963 students graduated from five vocational training centres in Matabeleland South.
“During my training at Phangani Vocational Training Centre, I studied tourism and hospitality, specialising in hotel and catering. I acquired a range of skills that have been essential in my career,” she said.
“Some of these skills include food and beverage management, accommodation management, customer service, teamwork and leadership, events planning and management, as well as cultural awareness and sensitivity.
“I learnt menu planning, food preparation and presentation techniques. These skills have helped me manage kitchen operations, control inventory, and ensure high-quality food service.
“My training emphasised the importance of providing exceptional customer experiences. I learnt effective communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving techniques, which have helped me handle customer complaints and ensure guest satisfaction,” said Nkala.
She added that group projects and assignments helped her develop teamwork, leadership, and time management skills. These abilities have enabled her to work effectively with colleagues, supervise teams, and manage multiple tasks.
During her training, Nkala also gained experience in planning and coordinating events such as weddings, conferences, and banquets. While some people often undermine vocational training, she stressed that it plays a crucial role in building careers.
She highlighted the importance of continuous training, as the world is constantly evolving, along with client demands.
“After completing my training in tourism and hospitality, I was determined to break into the industry. I started by gaining practical experience through internships and volunteering,” said Nkala.
“This hands-on experience helped me build a network of industry contacts, gain insight into the latest trends and best practices, and develop a deeper understanding of the industry.
“I also identified a gap in the market for promoting local Zimbabwean cuisine and saw an opportunity to fill it. I founded Kosiben Organics, which specialises in manufacturing and promoting local products such as umviyo jam and baobab jam,” she said.
To get her business off the ground, Nkala has leveraged social media platforms, attended industry events, and collaborated with other entrepreneurs and stakeholders. She said participating in the Traditional Cookout Competition 2024 has helped raise her profile and provided a platform to showcase her products.
Nkala emphasised that breaking into the industry after training requires hard work, determination, and a willingness to take calculated risks.
She has remained focused on her goals, consistently seeking growth and learning opportunities while staying committed to promoting and celebrating Zimbabwean cuisine and culture.
Nkala has successfully showcased her products at the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo under the Gastronomy Hub, the Umzingwane Agricultural Show, and the national launch of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 2024.
She was nominated for the Top Innovator of the Year 2024 award at the African Influencer Awards and for the Manufacturer of the Year 2024 award at the She Awards.
Additionally, she has undergone training under ZimTrade’s The Next She Exporter programme, equipping her with the skills and knowledge to successfully export Zimbabwean products to global markets.–@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter