Introducing Pinochle "Phiwo" Madlala - Class of 2020
“As lockdown moves to level 3, we have now experienced 2 months of remote tuition. As a team I applaud us all, we have been doing things we never dreamt of when we started this process. I thank the students and their parents for their support and commitment to our course.”
Today I introduce Phiwo Madlala, another of our first-year students at Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine. What a character she is - Phiwo livens up the room - and she claims she’s shy. I know differently. She voices her opinion, sings beautifully and is always up for a challenge.
She has even taken the pressure of writing this article, off me. Here’s what she has to say.
“I am Pinochle Madlala, born and raised in Pietermaritzburg and I am 24 years old. My mother is a single parent and she worked very hard to provide for my brother and me. Having to raise two children was a challenge and I am grateful for all she did for us. In my opinion, she did a great job. We had everything we needed, and she supported us in everything we wanted to do.
“My mom juggled being a mom of two, working and studying. She studied to be a nurse in Durban, while my brother and I lived in Pietermaritzburg. She would leave on a Sunday and come back on a Friday. So, my older brother looked after me when she was away. Every Sunday morning my mother would prepare our meals for the week ahead - and took a portion for herself. She would make large pots of chicken or beef stew, samp and beans as well as steamed bread. She would freeze and refrigerate the food so we could warm it up to eat during the week. At that stage, we were too young to cook. These meals made me feel close to my mom, even though she was far from me, physically.
“As my brother got older, he had to learn to cook, although he was still young. This encouraged me to learn from my brother. I was 10. That’s where my appreciation of food began. I spent most of my childhood days cooking. I explored and experimented until I finally grasped how to cook a full meal.
“So, the dish I am sharing is one of those that my mom would make for us for our weekly dinners. I’d be so happy to know that you had cooked my ujeqe (steamed bread), beef stew and imfino (pumpkin leaves).”
I too am asking you to try Phiwo’s recipes - ujege is a favourite of mine.
Hearty Stewed Beef with Ujeqe in a Mug and Imfino side
Phiwo has already completed a one-year, higher certificate in hospitality management at the International Hotel School and that’s where she realised she wanted to focus on food. Between courses and unable to find employment she survived by offering a catering service. This took her closer to her appreciation of food. She said she searched for the “best culinary schools in South Africa” and found us. The rest, in her words was “a dream come true, a miracle”. Her journey has just begun – and I predict a successful passage.
Keep her name in mind and we’d be interested to receive your comments on her recipes.
Please keep safe and keep sanitizing. Be mindful of those who need help - and help wherever you can. No effort is too small. Visit www.jackiecameron.co.za to find out more about my Women’s and Men’s Chef Clothing Range. Remember Jackie Cameron Cooks at Home and Baking with Jackie Cameron – the books highlight all my foodie adventures. I always look forward to hearing from you so please communicate via email: jackie@jackiecameron.co.za.
Jackie Cameron - owner of Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine in Hilton, KZN - for enquires email admin@jackiecameron.co.za.
Find me on Facebook – Jackie Cameron Cooks at Home, Twitter - @jackie_cameron and Instagram: jackiecameronincolour
Food assistant and recipe developer: Phiwo Madlala
All photos by Kathy Pitout Photography