LIMPOPO – In the heart of Tshivhilwi Tshirolwe village, 27-year-old culinary innovator Thembiso Masimbane has turned a humble township street food into a gourmet experience with a flair for luxury.
As the owner and head chef of Village Kota and Chips, Masimbane has reimagined the traditional South African kota by infusing it with premium ingredients and naming each creation after luxury car brands like BMW M8, Audi R8, and Rolls Royce Coach Built Boat – a playful yet powerful reflection of quality and status.
His journey into the food business began out of necessity and passion. With no opportunity to further his studies after matric and just R1 100 – a combination of the social relief grant and money from his mother – he turned his love for cooking into a business.
Inspired by his childhood experiences in the kitchen and his mother’s township food legacy, Masimbane launched his kota venture in 2020.
Despite the inevitable challenges, his commitment to experimenting with recipes and perfecting flavours has helped him build a loyal following.
Masimbane prides himself on the high-grade ingredients, a signature sauce, and visually appealing presentations that elevate his kotas from everyday takeaway to unforgettable meals.
“I make sure I deliver quality kotas in the Vhembe district. The love and passion I show my customers reflect in every bite.”
His vision is as bold as his kotas: To expand Village Kota and Chips into a national brand with branches across South Africa, creating employment and transforming perceptions of traditional food.
“I wanted to introduce a new taste and feeling to kota without taking away its originality,” he told CV.
