TZANEEN – Chef Khutso Sekgobela and his team at Tzaneen Country Lodge will be hard at work during the festive holidays, making sure that their guests are well fed.

From Atok to the kitchen

His love for food and the kitchen began as a child in Atok village in Burgersfort, where he was raised by his grandmother, Magare.

“My grandmother taught me to be useful around the house, especially in the kitchen,” he says. “After school, I would often cook for everyone, and that’s where my love for cooking began. By the time I finished matric, I knew I wanted to study culinary arts.”

Khutso qualified in 2021, specialising in both hot and cold cuisine. Since then, he has worked at several lodges and hotels across Limpopo, gaining valuable experience and developing a particular interest in Danish cuisine.

Passion for flavour and service

One of his proudest accomplishments is the Sunday buffet lunch, which has become a highlight for many guests.

“I invite everyone to come and enjoy the buffet because we offer a wide variety of dishes, including seafood,” he says proudly.

When asked about his favourite meal to prepare, Khutso smiles. “I love everything I cook.”

For guests visiting the restaurant for the first time, he recommends starting with crispy buffalo wings, followed by a T-bone steak served with mashed potatoes, vegetables, and mushroom sauce, and ending the meal with a creamy crème brûlée for dessert.

He believes that dedication, teamwork, and effective communication are the key ingredients that keep his kitchen running smoothly.

His advice to anyone aspiring to join the culinary world is to have a genuine passion for cooking, as he believes it is passion that sustains chefs through the challenges of the industry.