From humble beginnings to master griller

There was the sound of steak and ribs sizzling as Musa turned each steak making sure that it is cooked to perfection for his customers. Meet master griller Musa Hlela (21) from Sibongile Ex 18, who is living his dream at Dundee Battle Creek Spur Steak Ranch. He has been working at Spur Dundee for the past three years and was part of the master griller initiative.

Musa and three of his colleagues were granted the opportunity to learn in depth about cooking processes, meat origins, food preparation and cooking food to perfection.

Musa matriculated at Thalana High school in 2015 and went to work for Spur after he matriculated. He has been working as a griller at Spur Dundee, he said that “I absolutely enjoy working here, the management and staff are friendly and we work in a conducive environment, grilling ribs is my specialty.”

Last year October four grillers from Spur Dundee attended the nationwide initiative of the master griller and they all obtained certificates after the course was finished. Gerrie Marais, manager at Spur Dundee, explained that “we need to better people. Our staff members are very important to us that is why we gave them this opportunity. I believe in building people to become better. Even if you only have a matric certificate you must know that you have the potential to better yourself. I am very proud of Musa.”

Musa is very thrilled by his achievement. “We did practical training provided by trainers from the Durban head office, it was eye-opening as I learned about food preparation, hygiene and how to cook food to perfection,” he said.
Musa obtained a 90% pass rate and he said that “I did not expect to do so well and I was excited when I saw my results, I also know that my master griller certificate will definitely open doors for me in future.” Musa has a dream of owning his own restaurant one day and to use all the knowledge he has acquired to better his business.