Chef Mali Kubayi

My name is Mali Kubayi, and I am a professional chef in training at Capsicum Culinary Studio in Rosebank. Cooking has never been a fallback, it is a path I have chosen with intention, shaped by passion, discipline, and creativity.

Over the past eight years, I have built my foundation through hands-on experience. I took over and ran my mother’s catering business, developing both my technical skills and my understanding of what it takes to sustain a food enterprise.

While in university, I also ran food businesses at res, gaining early experience in managing and operating within the industry. I have worked closely with one of the best chefs I personally know, from preparing and serving clients from her kitchen to being part of her journey as she opened her restaurant. These experiences have contributed directly to my growing expertise.

I am an artist at heart and see being a chef as one of the highest forms of art, combining skill, creativity, and service to create meaningful and memorable experiences.

My fight to get into culinary school comes from a deep respect for the craft and an understanding that knowledge comes with recognizing how much more there is to learn. The story of how I got here is one I will share from global stages.

As I approach graduation, I am focused on refining my craft, showcasing my work, building my presence, and fully experiencing everything South Africa has to offer before taking my journey abroad.

For me, culinary arts is more than a career, it is a lifelong pursuit and a powerful form of expression.