Online Reporter
Langelihle Dube, [email protected]
WHAT began as a young boy watching his grandmother prepare family meals in the rural village of Lusumbami, Hwange, has grown into a thriving culinary career that is taking Zimbabwean chef Terrence White, popularly known as Chef Wembinga, onto the regional stage.
Chef Wembinga has built a respected catering brand whose reputation stretches beyond Zimbabwe’s borders, serving high-profile clients and international visitors who continue to seek out his services.
But behind the chef’s jacket and growing success lies a story of resilience, heartbreak and unwavering determination.
“Before people knew me as Chef Wembinga, I was simply Terrence White, a young boy with big dreams, a curious mind and a strong desire to create a better future for myself.
“I wasn’t born into luxury or guaranteed opportunities, so from an early age I understood that if I wanted something, I would have to work for it,” Chef Wembinga said.
His passion for food was nurtured at home, where cooking represented more than preparing meals.
“My earliest lessons came from my granny. By simply watching her prepare meals, I learnt that cooking is about patience, care and serving others. As I grew older, I discovered the creativity behind it and realised cooking gave me a way to express myself and bring joy to other people.”
However, his journey was interrupted by tragedy when he lost both his parents, forcing him to confront adulthood with little emotional support.
“There came a time when I lost both parents, and the struggle was real, with no one to look up to, cry to or share happy moments with. I soldiered on and walked with a smile as though everything was normal.”
Rather than allowing grief to define him, he used it as motivation to pursue his dreams.
“Every successful journey includes moments of uncertainty. What kept me going was my belief that persistence would eventually open the right doors.”
Entering the hospitality industry exposed him to the realities of professional cooking, where success depends on much more than culinary talent.
“A chef leads, creates, innovates and takes responsibility for the entire dining experience. I wanted to master the craft at a professional level,” he said.
Like many entrepreneurs, Chef Wembinga faced scepticism and rejection in the early stages of his career.
“Some people questioned whether it was the right career choice, but I stayed focused on my vision and proved myself through hard work. There were times when people overlooked my abilities, but those moments motivated me to work harder and let my results speak for themselves.”
His breakthrough came through word-of-mouth recommendations from international clients.
“I’d cater for tourists from South Africa and, after they flew back home, they would book me for events they were hosting in their country. That’s when I knew I had found the right formula.”
The growing demand confirmed that his culinary skills had evolved from local recognition into a brand capable of competing beyond Zimbabwe.
Despite the glamorous image often associated with chefs, Chef Wembinga says the profession demands exceptional discipline, leadership and resilience.
“People think it’s just cooking. In reality, it’s leadership, planning, business management and constant problem-solving. The long hours, physical demands and pressure of delivering perfection every single time are part of daily life.”
The demanding schedule has also come at a personal cost.
“It’s one of the biggest challenges in hospitality, and I’m still learning to manage it effectively. I’ve had failed relationships and missed many important family events.”
Even so, the chef believes success is no longer measured by personal achievements alone.
“Success now means creating opportunities for others, inspiring young people and leaving a legacy that outlives me. I don’t believe there’s a finish line. Every achievement simply opens the door to a bigger challenge.”
His brand name, Chef Wembinga, a title that loosely represents a chef for successful hustlers and affluent people, he says, has become synonymous with quality and authenticity.
“Chef Wembinga is more than a brand name. It represents identity, heritage and pride in where I come from. When people hear the name Chef Wembinga, I want them to think of quality, creativity and authenticity.”
