Liziwe Matloha is a remarkable figure in South Africa's culinary scene. She is a chef, businesswoman, and writer who has transformed her passion for cooking into a celebration of resilience, culture, and family. She continues to inspire with her genuine flavors and love of cooking while juggling her roles as a mother and businesswoman.
Born in Boskop, a small rural village in Potchefstroom, North West, Matloha grew up in a household steeped in tradition and family values. She recalls taking turns with her siblings to cook and do chores, with Sundays reserved for a proper meal of meat and vegetables.
“My earliest memory of cooking was around age 13. Sundays were the best because we got to enjoy a proper meal, it felt like a celebration,” she said.
While most of her family cooked out of necessity, Matloha discovered a deeper connection, creativity, comfort, and joy. She fondly remembers preparing sweet treats for her father.
“My dad always loved whatever I made for him, and his compliments made me feel so proud,” she recalled.
After completing her first college qualification and settling in Boksburg with her husband, Matloha started a career in retail before studying media at Boston Media House and working in marketing and advertising. Yet her culinary calling persisted.
In 2015, she enrolled at Capsicum Culinary Studio’s Boksburg campus for a Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking.
“I chose Capsicum because it’s a reputable culinary school that offers real credibility, and being close to home was a bonus,” she said.
From the start, her goal was clear: to write cookbooks and teach others the joy of cooking. A decade later, she has realised that dream, turning her passion into a thriving brand.
“I created social media pages for my cooking, which eventually led to an interview on Metro FM. That moment changed everything,” she said.
Her breakthrough came when she won Drum Magazine’s Food Ambassador title, competing against South Africa’s top chefs. The win allowed her to write for Drum, publish a recipe book featuring her on the cover, and receive a cash prize, cementing her place in the national culinary spotlight.
Matloha channels her passion through her brand, Dinner@Matloha’s, a platform that celebrates food, culture, and connection. “It’s about sharing meals, stories, and the warmth of a family dinner,” she explains. Through cookery classes and recipe development, she showcases African flavours in a modern way while keeping the heart of home cooking alive.
She also published her cookbook in 2021, Dinner@Matloha’s, featuring a wide range of recipes suitable for any time of day or season. The book focuses on authentic, approachable dishes that are easy to prepare, use everyday ingredients, and are budget friendly.
Matloha is currently working on a second cookbook, expected to be published within the next year or two. The recipes combine creativity with comfort, elevating traditional family meals while remaining true to the essence of home-cooked food shared around the table with loved ones.
“I've been approached by publishers to do one now, but I am not ready to release another book just yet because I want to write books that are genuine and authentic,ones that will be passed down through family generations.”
Matloha’s journey reflects more than culinary skill, it’s about turning childhood memories into a legacy, food into storytelling, and family values into inspiration. She has built a brand that connects South Africans through shared meals, celebrating culture, creativity, and the joy of cooking.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za