Segona, our Chef Ramsay
RANDBURG - Kabelo Segona is a man on the edge with a passion for food and cooking.
Chef Kabelo Segona (31) is as colourful as his cuisine ans his cooking skills are testament to that.
Segona’s story is an example of how rewarding it can be to do what you love.
He has cooked for numerous prominent people including President Jacob Zuma and Mike Shuttleworth.
“People say I portray the Chef Ramsay qualities but I think I teach people in my own way,” Segona said.
Chef Ramsay is the prominent American Chef with various television shows such as Hell’s Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares and Hotel Hell.
“If people make mistakes I do scream at them maybe sometimes more than Chef Ramsay, but it is to ensure that quality food and services are reached,” he explained.
Born and raised in the mountainous North West Province, Segona developed his penchant for cuisine at a tender age.
“I started working in restaurants when I was 14, after high school I knew what I wanted to do,” he said.
As a result of his “incredible” skills, Segona was approached by business people who helped him enroll at Hospitality Trainers and Associates (HTA), so he can further his studies towards being a chef while working.
Through the culinary school, where he now is a lecturer, Segona teaches numerous people including other chefs from prominent hotels such as Sun International.
Segona recommends healthy meals and cooking with Extra Virgin oil instead of normal cooking oil.
“Organic healthy meals are better because you can enjoy good food and live healthier,” he emphasised.
Segona has been interviewed by various magazines and newspapers but he said his biggest achievement was been being on the board of the South African Chefs association under the education committee.
The association ensures that there is growth within the food industry by encouraging youths to educate themselves and become great chefs one day.
One of Segona wishes is to own a cooking school.
“I believed I have touched so many people’s lives through food, some people even say when they grow up they want to be like me, so having a school where I can teach even more people will be quite an honour,” he concluded.
Details: HTA School of culinary arts 011 285 0916/37.
