Chef Liziwe Matloha serves up success
Her journey from cooking for her father in a Boskop kitchen to writing and building a national brand is a testament to passion and perseverance.
From humble beginnings in rural Boskop to becoming a celebrated chef, author, and food ambassador, Boksburg’s own Liziwe Matloha has cooked her way into the hearts – and homes – of South Africans.
Known for her warm personality, homely recipes, and creative flair, Matloha has built a thriving food brand, Dinner@Matloha’s, which celebrates African flavours, family traditions, and the joy of sharing meals together.
Matloha is a qualified chef, entrepreneur, wife, mother, and the author of the popular 2021 cookbook Dinner at Matloha’s. She is currently working on her second book, which promises to bring even more creative and comforting recipes to local tables.
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From Boskop roots to culinary heights
Born and raised in Boskop near Potchefstroom, Matloha’s love for cooking began at just 13 years old. Growing up in a home where everyone took turns preparing meals, Sundays were always special.
“Sundays meant a proper meal with meat and vegetables,” she recalls fondly. “That’s where my passion for flavour and creativity began.”
After finishing college and getting married, she moved to Boksburg, where she first worked in retail before studying media at Boston Media House and later marketing and advertising. Yet her culinary calling never faded.
In 2015, she made a bold career shift and enrolled at Capsicum Culinary Studio’s Boksburg campus, completing a Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking.
“From day one, I knew I wanted to write cookbooks and teach others to cook.”
Turning passion into a platform
What started as a few shared recipes on social media soon turned into a movement. Her growing online presence led to an interview on Metro FM, opening doors to national recognition and collaborations.
One of her proudest moments came when she was crowned Drum Magazine’s Food Ambassador, after winning a national cooking competition.
“The experience changed my life. I developed over 50 recipes for Drum, wrote weekly food features, and travelled the country doing food demos. It was a dream come true.”
The win led to a flurry of TV appearances, radio interviews, and magazine features, establishing her as a trusted voice in South African food culture.
Dinner@Matloha’s: a taste of home and heritage
Through her brand Dinner@Matloha’s, Matloha shares recipes, hosts cooking classes, and connects with followers through stories rooted in community and culture.
“Food is my love language. It’s about sitting around the table, sharing stories, and celebrating who we are through what we eat.”
Her cookbook, Dinner at Matloha’s, reflects that philosophy, featuring simple, budget-friendly, and flavourful recipes for every season. Each dish carries a piece of home, crafted for everyday South Africans who want hearty, delicious meals without fuss.
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Looking ahead
Now, with one cookbook under her belt and another in progress, Matloha is focusing on growth, both personal and professional.
In five years, she envisions herself living more sustainably, possibly on a farm, where she plans to establish a skills development centre to empower others through food education.
“I want to live closer to nature and give back by teaching others. Cooking has opened so many doors for me, and I want others to experience that same empowerment.”
More than just a chef, Liziwe Matloha is a storyteller, mentor, and inspiration. As her star continues to rise, one thing’s certain: Liziwe Matloha is just getting started.
Her advice to aspiring chefs: “Stay curious, experiment with local ingredients, and let your passion shine through in every dish but mostly love what you do, because it always shows in your dishes.”
