Introducing Sydney Gwala - Class of 2020
“A new year is always filled with opportunities, enthusiasm, and hope - and in our case new students. I look forward to introducing you to our 2021 aspiring chefs from next month.”
Sydney Gwala, another of last year’s intake is a real character. He originally reminded me of Clifford Thwala, a past student, but as the weeks pass by, I see only Sydney.
Watching cooking channels and being around the kitchen when his mom cooked for the family or for large family gatherings, Sydney knew that his heart was in the kitchen.
“I had dreams of becoming a chef from a very young age,” he shares. “It was something hidden deep inside me. I guess the main reason for me hiding my talent was because I knew that in a black community, it was said that the kitchen was for females.”
This opinion led to Sydney taking a different career path. After completing a National N Diploma in Public Management, however, he made a clear-cut decision and followed his heart.
“I had matured, I ignored opinions and I looked for a chef school close to home,” he says. “The only institution I viewed on the internet that ‘spoke’ to me was Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine, and I said to myself ‘that’s where I’m going’. I enrolled, and I had a very personal experience with Chef Jackie at the school. From that moment, I knew I had made the right decision, that my career in the food industry would begin here.”
It’s common knowledge that macaroni and cheese is an all-time favourite. Sydney, however, has added a twist to his recipe and he has chosen to share it with you.
“Mrs Ball’s chutney holds a special place in our kitchen, so I decided it needed to be included in our macaroni and cheese,” he explains. “I then tried adding mince as well, and my experiment was a success. Since that day, my recipe has been loved and enjoyed, at home.”
A good, home-cooked macaroni and cheese always goes down a treat - and this is one for the books. Happy home-cooking, and please send us comments on Sydney’s contribution.
We take this opportunity to wish The Witness reader a happy and successful 2021. We also look forward to welcoming you to our school one day soon - for brunch, a private function, sundowners or, perhaps, a Weber class. Until then, make 2021 count.
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: Sydney Gwala
All photos by Kathy Pitout Photography