LIMPOPO – Katisi Malatji has launched a unique culinary studio with a powerful mission, namely to show children that the kitchen can be more than a place for meals.

At Second Plate Culinary Studio, the kitchen becomes a space for building confidence, sparking creativity and fostering independence.

Inspired by her curious and fearless nephew, Malatji realised that children thrive when cooking is approached as a joyful adventure rather than a rigid task.

“My nephew loved experimenting with food. That’s when I realised children need a space where they can play with ideas, not just follow recipes. That’s when my dream of opening the studio started,” she said.

Second Plate offers hands-on cooking classes where young learners are treated like real chefs, complete with their own aprons, hats and individual workstations. The lessons focus on practical skills such as knife safety, measuring, nutrition, and more – all taught in a fun and approachable way.

Malatji has already seen the transformative power of the kitchen.

“I’ve seen children come in nervous and unsure, but leave able to explain their cooking process to others with confidence.”

Running the studio hasn’t been without its challenges, from maintaining the balance between safety and creative freedom to handling administrative work. But Malatji sees each challenge as a learning opportunity.

“Creating a safe space where children can build trust among themselves has been key. That trust gives them the freedom to explore.”

Looking ahead, Second Plate aims to expand by partnering with local schools and businesses around the city.

Their vision is to raise a generation that is confident, creative and values healthy living through food. For more information, contact Katisi Malatji at 071 355 7557.