Meet Mbali Gaveni: The Rising Star In South Africa’s Culinary World

Holifil

01 Apr, 2025

At just 19 years old, Mbali Gaveni, a passionate chef and entrepreneur, has been named one of 20 exceptional aspiring chefs in South Africa.
This talented young woman was awarded a prestigious bursary from Capsicum Culinary Studio, one of the top culinary schools in the country.
Mbali shared her inspiring journey of winning the bursary and opened up about her ambitious plans for the future in the hospitality industry.

A 19-year-old culinary prodigy has secured a top bursary in South Africa and is ready to take the culinary world by storm. Image: Morsa ImagesSource: Getty Images

You know how sometimes you meet someone who just seems destined for greatness? Well, Mbali Gaveni is one of those people. This young chef and entrepreneur from Soweto is making headlines across South Africa after being awarded a life-changing bursary from Capsicum Culinary Studio, one of the most respected culinary schools in the country. Let’s dive into her inspiring story and find out what makes her so special.

How Mbali Won the Culinaire Challenge

Mbali wasn’t just handed this opportunity—it came after an intense competition called the Culinaire Challenge. This nationwide event took place at all seven campuses of Capsicum Culinary Studio, bringing together 20 of the most promising young chefs in the country. Mbali, who hails from Orlando East in Soweto, stood out among her peers with her incredible talent and dedication.

What makes Mbali’s story even more remarkable is that she’s already a successful entrepreneur. At just 19 years old, she launched her own cake-baking and sales business, proving that she’s not afraid to take on challenges. In an interview with the Sowetan, Mbali opened up about her upcoming studies and her long-term goals in the culinary world.

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She revealed that she’ll be attending the Rosebank campus, where she’ll be enrolled in the foundational cookery program. This program is designed to give students a strong foundation in culinary arts, setting them up for success in the industry.

Mbali’s Journey to Becoming a Chef

Mbali’s love for cooking didn’t happen overnight. It all started in high school when she discovered her passion for food preparation and the joy it brings to people. For Mbali, cooking isn’t just about creating delicious dishes—it’s about bringing people together. This deep connection to food inspired her to pursue a career in cooking, and now she’s on the verge of achieving her dreams.

“Winning this bursary means everything to me. It’s the opportunity I’ve been waiting for to receive the training I need to succeed in the culinary industry. My ultimate goal is to become an employer, not just an employee. I want to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to run my own business and create jobs for others,” Mbali told the Sowetan.

What’s Next for Mbali?

So, why did Capsicum choose Mbali for this bursary? Well, it’s simple—she’s got talent. During the Culinaire Challenge, Mbali demonstrated exceptional skills in seasoning food, balancing flavors, and creatively presenting dishes. She also impressed the judges with her knowledge of various culinary techniques and her ability to answer questions confidently and accurately.

Looking ahead, Mbali has big plans for her future. In five years, she aims to establish a thriving bakery while continuing to hone her skills in the culinary industry. Her vision is clear: she wants to create something lasting, something that will inspire others and leave a lasting impact on the community.