Tsholo Matsi from Standerton takes on new venture
The wide world beckoned and she worked as a chef at at top-notch 5-star hotel in the sunshine state, Florida in the USA.
The life of the versatile Tsholofelo Matsi from Standerton has taken a few surprising turns.
Tsholo is the first-born of the late Past Andrew Matsi and his wife, Tembi from the Replica Church.
After going to school at Stanwest Combined School, she completed high school at Glendale Secondary School in eMalahleni (Witbank), living with family.
It was off to Tshwane University of Technology for three years next for studies in hospitality management.
The wide world beckoned and she worked as a chef at a top-notch 5-star hotel in the sunshine state, Florida in the USA.
“It was a beautiful experience and I loved it,” Tsholo said.
Accompanied by friends, with some still in contact, the young women visited Disney World in Orlando and Miami.
“Disney World was a dream come true,” she added.
Tsholo rubbed shoulders, so to speak, with important people on the political landscape.
“I served former Pres George W Bush and his family while working at the buffet at the hotel.”
“The Americans love seafood.”
Their work ethic made a strong impression on her and she found them knowledgeable and appreciative of her craft.
“The hospitality industry in the USA is booming.”
A year passed and now for a 180 degrees turn-about.
Tsholo returned to South Africa, not with a single fear of flying and began a welding trade in Johannesburg, completing it in 18 months.
She worked for three years at a steel fabrication company in Nigel until the company closed down.
“I love working with my hands,” she said.
She returned to Standerton in 2018 and with Past Matsi death in April last year, her entrepreneurial spirit came to the forefront .
“I’ve always wanted to have a business of my own.”
Tsholo opened her own little kitchen and has a gas stove on the ready when there is load-shedding.
“It’s always better to work when the power is on.”
Her customers arrive to sample some of her South African delicacies such as vetkoek and a variation on a bunny chow.
“A business is very demanding,” she admitted.
Tsholo is active in the church and a backing vocalist for her younger sister, Grace’s performances.
Khutso is the other daughter of the Matsi-family.
Tsholo has strong views on marriage, saying marriage is a gift from God.
“I should have been married by now, God willingly, but He hasn’t given me that gift yet,” she concluded.
