Mama Fatima cooking up a legacy one vetkoek at a time
She sells kotas and vetkoek at the East Rand Mall taxi rank, but Mama Fatima’s story is about much more. For over 10 years, she has fed her community and raised five children, one an engineer.
For more than a decade, the sizzle of oil and the aroma of fresh vetkoek have marked the start of the day at the East Rand Mall taxi rank.
Behind the counter stands ‘Mama Fatima’ (Fatima Nora), a woman whose hands not only feed the community but build a legacy of hope, hustle, and heart.
This Women’s Day, Mama Nora’s story reminds us that powerful women don’t always wear suits or stand on stages. Sometimes they wear aprons and serve greatness from pavement stalls.
“I’ve been here for 10 years, but have been selling food long before that,” she says, smiling as she prepares orders.
“I started with nothing but a pot, a stove, and a dream to give my children a better life.”
Her popular stall serves plates of food, kotas, chips and vetkoek, drawing loyal customers from taxi drivers and mall employees to school learners. But the real story lies behind the food.
Mama Fatima is a proud mother of five. Her son, Chico Nabiri, works with her, keeping the business going while dreaming bigger.
Another of her children is a qualified engineer, which she humbly counts among her proudest achievements.
“Selling food helped me raise my family. I paid school fees, bought uniforms, and kept food on the table with this stall. Everything I am, I poured into them.”
Chico, standing beside his mother in their compact kitchen setup, nodded with pride.
“My mom is more than a vendor. She’s a leader. Watching her taught us resilience and hard work. Now I get to help her and learn from the best.”
Despite the early mornings and long hours, Mama Fatima’s spirit has never wavered. She credits her husband, her biggest supporter, for being her rock.
“My husband never made me feel small. He told me I was building something powerful, and he was right. This is more than food. It’s dignity. It’s independence.”
With a warm laugh and eyes full of determination, she reflected on her journey.
“This is not just a job. It’s a mission. I want to show other women, especially the young ones, you don’t have to wait for opportunity. Sometimes, you have to cook it yourself.”
Mama’s dream?
Her dream is to one day open a small takeaway shop and employ other women in her community, showing them it’s possible to rise no matter how humble the start.
Mama Fatima’s message to women this Women’s Month: “To all the women out there, don’t wait for someone to save you. Use what you have in your hands right now. Whether it’s a spoon, a sewing machine, or your voice, start building from it. Your strength is greater than you realise.
“Every small step can lead to something bigger. Believe in yourself, work hard and don’t be afraid to dream. You have the power to change your life and your community.
“Keep going, you are stronger than you know. Happy Women’s Month.”
Also Read: Women’s Month: Sensei thriving on teachings of judo
