Chef Profile of the Week – South Africa

Mokgadi has worked in the food industry for more than 15 years. She started her culinary journey with Hotpots catering (1997-2000), which handled catering for M-net, SABC marketing conference and Rothmans Cup

She acquired further culinary training in New York City and upon her return to SA, Woolworth’s snatched her up and she worked as a food works chef. Her duties included in-store food demonstrations; advising customers on menu planning, ingredients and food combinations; Event planning; Staff training in food preparation and styling. In 2006 she opened a restaurant in Rosebank, Lotsha Kitchen and Cocktails, which she managed with two partners. Lotsha hosted dinner parties for the South African, then first lady Zanele Mbeki and other South African personalities.

She has handled numerous food projects for clients like Dion Chang (Gloria launch), African Mosaique , MTN, YFM, Bonitas, National Video and Film Foundation, African Romance, South African Mining Development Association, Masana Technologies, Atlas Studios, Tom Pictures, Stoned Cherrie, Dr Anna Mokgokong, Jacob Zuma and  many others.

She has been featured on TV (Mojo-xmas party, True-life show, SABC 3 Talk) has developed recipes for magazines (Oprah Magazine SA, Food & home, House & Garden). She has participated in food festivals (V&A waterfront winter food fair, Cheese festival, Olive festival & Decorex JHB 2004), has worked with African food expert Dora Sithole on her recipe book “Cape to Cairo”. In 2006-2008 she worked as a contributing food editor for Tribute magazine, where she honed her food writing skills. Mokgadi was one of FIVE Chefs chosen by the International Marketing Council to represent South African cuisine at the 2010 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Her entrepreneurial spirit saw her work with Metsweding Entrepreneural Development Agency, where she developed menu’s and trained staff, for ‘Vuvuzela Eat and sleep’ a township bed and breakfast concept.

She is Creative Director and head chef for Lotsha Home foods, a food company she started with two other partners. The focus for the company is to develop food products based on African recipes. The first two products are already available in 5 shops in Gauteng. She is the current Food Editor for True Love Magazine and is a recent recipient of a Galliova award for excellence in food writing.

Enthused integrity, perseverance, compassion, dedication and an insatiable curiosity has been her aid in all undertakings. She is proudly South African and hopes to foster passionate pride in others.