A PASSION for food and pleasing his customers has driven Sibusiso Dladla’s dramatic career.
A year ago, this KZN-born man started his position as head chef at Goldfields Casino in Welkom.
Speaking to SunFood, Chef Sbu (43), as he is known, said he turned his hobby for food into a successful career over 10 years ago.
“I made the tough decision to leave my career in the finance industry to follow my passion for food.”
Although his new career is only starting to come together now, it was not an easy path to follow.
His path led him to Durban’s international convention centre and the North West Sun City resort, where he met his wife and mum of his daughter.
“While I was trying to figure out my life, my older brother died, leaving my mom and I behind.
“It is not always easy but I strive to make her proud of me every day.”
He said his day usually starts with a staff meeting.
His advice to trainee chefs is: “I always stress how important it is to have a vision, to work hard and have patience because everything starts somewhere, and the sky is the limit for us.”
He said working in a small town like Welkom was incredible since he is able to pay more attention to his clients.
“I know most of my clients by name and it’s always good to get instant feedback from them.”
He said people can enjoy his surf-and-turf and rib-and-wing combos at the hotel.
Sbu said he was mentored by Swiss chef Markus Banziger.
- To get a taste of Chef Sbu’s culinary delights, visit Goldfields Casino.
For more information, visit www.goldfieldscasino.co.za
