VANDERBIJLPARK – In a country jam-packed with bottomless possibilities, Chef Thomas had a buffet of career paths to choose from.
From teaching people how to drive to keeping the party alive as a DJ, these are just some of the jobs he aspired to undertake.
But the Sharpeville-born celebrity chef de cuisine found his calling in the kitchen where he cooks up a storm of magical dishes one platter at a time.
Thomas Raputsoe is now a household name in the Vaal’s culinary scene and sat down with Ster South to dish on his rise to fame.
Sharing his story of how his journey started, the bubbly 33-year-old said he knew he’d end up wearing a chef’s toque following his love for the career days after enrolling for the course at Sedibeng College.
“I fell in love with food while I was studying hospitality management at college. From there on, passion, energy, drive, and vision started kicking in and led me to who I am today,” he said.
Detailing his first experience being a professional cook at one of the biggest international food service companies, he said it was a frightening move.
“Joining the real world as a junior chef was scary, but because I was so eager to learn it was fun and a great experience.”
“I returned to Vaal and took up a position as a commis chef at Riverside Sun Hotel. My exceptional skills soon became evident, and while working at the hotel, I began accepting private gigs and hosting food events,” he said.
Raputsoe said he took a different route after acquiring years of experience and now focuses on growing his brand.
Having a touching story like any other entrepreneur affected by Covid 19, Raputsoe used the opportunity to take a different leap of faith.
“After the pandemic, I shifted my focus and launched my product Chef Thomas BBQ Sauce, which was a success and sold in prominent retail chains, including Pick ’n Pay, Spar, and Total Garages.”
“In 2021, I was back in the kitchen, delivering meals to households, and in 2022, I became a resident head chef and kitchen manager at Rhythm Lounge,” he said.
Maneuvering from one outlet to the next, Raputsoe finally found his feet and started his own thing.
“Recognising the demand for skilled chefs at events, I founded an agency called Chefs on the Move. With six chefs under my wings, we penetrated the culinary space,” he said.
Chef Thomas is now running the Sedibeng Food Festival, a large-scale partnership with Lois Thale and brands such as DSTV, VW, and Hollywood Bets.