Eshowe born Siphesihle Khumalo (28) fulfils the role of Junior Chef at Royal Palm Hotel.

Having completed her matric at Mafunda High School, she went on to complete her Chef Certificate through Ethekwini College.

In 2013, Khumalo took up a position as a Sculler at the Royal Palm Hotel. A year later, through hard work and dedication, she was promoted to Junior Chef where she currently works.

Her main duties at the Royal Palm Hotel include preparing the breakfasts, and banqueting dishes. She is also in charge of preparing the a la carte dishes for dinner- all while making sure that certain levels of hygiene are met.

Her favourite dish is braised oxtail. All you need is “1 kg oxtail, celery, leeks, carrots, onions, tomatoes, red wine and lots of care and love,” she says.

She has a passion for cooking and creating dishes that make people happy, but when she’s not busy in the Royal Palm Hotel kitchen, she can be found at home with her two children, who keep her on her toes!

Chef Siphesihle dreams of one day opening her own restaurant, where she can continue to showcase her love for food.

Her advice for anyone starting in this industry, is to: “love yourself, love what you do and be happy”.

This Women’s Month we acknowledge those ladies who are making their mark in every Segment of South Africa.