In a country grappling with record unemployment, Robertsons, The Spice People, in partnership with Metro Gents Umlazi and Wiseman Shisanyama & Carwash, KwaMashu, recently launched the first-ever Robertsons ‘I Am Becoming’ Shisanyama Masterclass at the Unilever offices in Durban to help turn passion into a sustainable culinary business.
This masterclass brought together 20 young men and women for an intensive day of culinary mastery, enterprise development, and mentorship. Guided by top industry professionals, including Chef Vusi, Executive Chef of Unilever Food Solutions, Southern Africa, and Chef Sifiso, also from Unilever Foods—the apprentices:
- Learned Culinary Fundamentals: Food safety, fire control, seasoning principles, and meat selection.
- Learned Plate Economics: Essential business skills, including costing, pricing strategies, portion control, and profit margin management.
- Participated in The Spice Master Challenge: A competitive hands-on session where apprentices created and pitched their own signature Robertsons blend to a panel of judges.
One participant, Andile “Andy Eats” Nzama, expressed his gratitude and key learning from the experience, “After taking the advice we learnt from the masterclass, I put it into action immediately, and my customers have been complimenting the tenderness and flavour of the meat. We are very grateful.”
Award-winning entrepreneur and founder of the Township Entrepreneurs Alliance, Bulelani Balabala, also shared insights with participants.
“Young people entering the market must understand the full value chain of the industries they work in. Build around customer value, constantly improve your operations, and have skin in the game. That is how you build trust and ultimately scale.”
Each apprentice also walked away with a certificate of participation, knowledge, and a Robertsons Herbs and Spices hamper.
“South Africa’s informal township economy is a billion-rand powerhouse, driven by resilience, culture, and necessity. At the heart of this vibrant sector is an iconic local culinary favourite: the shisanyama.”
We believe that empowering this sector through this masterclass is one of the ways we can, in our small way, contribute to addressing youth unemployment and skills deficiency in the country,” said Robertsons Senior Marketing Manager, Nicole Harris.
