In honor of Women’s Month, Southern Sun is shining a light on the remarkable journeys and achievements of its female chefs, who have excelled in the art of cooking. These talented women have shattered barriers, mastered their crafts, and led their teams with unparalleled passion and dedication. Their stories highlight their unique contributions to the culinary world and the exceptional skills that make them stand out in their field.
Meet Amina Lebelo: Transforming Riverside Sun’s Culinary Landscape
Amina Lebelo, the dynamic Executive Chef at Riverside Sun, has been a trailblazer in the culinary industry for over 36 years. Her impressive career began in late November 1987 as an intern at Riviera Sun International, and she has never looked back. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the relentless pursuit of culinary excellence.
Paving the Way for Women in the Kitchen
Amina became the first black female head chef in a five-star establishment in South Africa at the Sandton Towers Intercontinental Hotel. One of her proudest achievements was earning her matric at the age of 34 and furthering her education through development programs.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, especially during the 1980s, Amina faced significant challenges. Despite the persistent notion that the role of executive chef was usually filled by male chefs, Amina outshone her male counterparts through perseverance and a keen eye for learning. Her journey is a powerful story of resilience and determination.
The Joy of Being a Chef
Amina thrives on the dynamic nature of her role, developing new menu items, and teaching chefs about food’s textures, flavors, and presentation. Cold canapés and hot dishes are her specialties, and she enjoys the freedom of creating dishes without strictly following recipes. Her favorite comfort food is crunchy home cookies with tea, and her signature dish is a vibrant chicken tikka salad, celebrated for its rich, fresh flavors.
Milestones and Philosophies
Amina believes true success is reflected in the growth of her team. Cooking with love and receiving client appreciation drive her to improve daily. She advises young talent to prepare for long hours and modest pay initially, emphasizing the importance of hard work, creativity, and resilience.
Reflecting on her incredible career, Amina believes that life is what you make of it, and food is a necessity that ensures job security. She encourages aspiring chefs to embrace creativity and never hesitate to get hands-on in the kitchen. Amina Lebelo’s story is one of inspiration, resilience, and culinary mastery. At Southern Sun’s Riverside Sun, she continues to lead her team with passion, transforming every meal into an exquisite experience.
Meet Angelique Frost: Bringing Passion and Skill to Southern Sun Rosebank
Born and raised in Durban’s Newlands East, Angelique Frost now resides in Johannesburg’s Roodepoort. Her culinary journey began in her childhood kitchen, where she found joy in helping her aunt prepare family meals. This early passion for cooking set the foundation for a successful career in the culinary arts.
A Career Fueled by Passion and Perseverance
Angelique’s formal training began at the International Hotel School in 2006, where she pursued a Higher Diploma in Professional Cookery and Kitchen Management. Upon completing her studies in 2008, she joined Havana Grill restaurant in Suncoast Casino, Durban, and later transitioned to their sister restaurant, Little Havana in Umhlanga.
In 2015, Angelique joined Southern Sun Pretoria as Executive Sous Chef. Her leadership skills and culinary expertise led to her promotion to Kitchen Manager at Garden Court Hatfield in 2017. By 2019, she had opened Grill Jichana at Southern Sun Rosebank as Head Chef, and in 2021, she achieved her current role as Executive Chef at Southern Sun Rosebank.
Inspiring Leadership and Dedication
For Angelique, being a chef is more than just a job; it’s a lifelong passion and a challenging career in a male-dominated field. She believes that success in the culinary industry requires love for the craft, dedication, and resilience. Despite the challenges and hard work, Angelique finds the rewards well worth the effort. Her story is one of determination, skill, and an unwavering love for the culinary arts. As the Executive Chef at Southern Sun Rosebank, she continues to inspire and lead, creating exceptional dining experiences for her guests.
Meet Yumna Ismail: Elevating Desserts at Southern Sun Cape Sun
Yumna Ismail, the talented Pastry Sous Chef at Southern Sun Cape Sun, brings a blend of passion, creativity, and dedication to her role. With a Level 2 Diploma in Food Preparations and Cooking (Pâtisserie) from Capsicum Culinary Studio, Yumna has honed her skills in sugar crafting and chocolate work, making her a standout in the pastry world.
Inspired by Family and Passion
Yumna’s journey into the culinary arts began in her childhood kitchen, where she baked alongside her mother. Determined to turn her passion into a career, Yumna pursued formal education at Capsicum Culinary Studio, qualifying as a Pâtisserie Chef in 2016.
Her professional growth is marked by her dedication and continuous growth at Southern Sun Cape Sun. She started as an intern in 2015 and progressed through various roles, from commis chef to demi chef, and eventually to Chef De Partie. In March 2024, Yumna achieved her current position as Pastry Sous Chef, where she continues to impress with her culinary skills.
A Love for Chocolate Bon Bons
For Yumna, chocolate bon bons and sculptures hold a special place in her heart. Her creative process involves exploring a variety of techniques, ingredients, and influences blending tradition and innovation. An emphasis on the importance of using local and seasonal produce is evident in her desserts, enhancing the natural flavors and nutritional value of her dishes.
Currently, Yumna is excited about the fine art of desserts, which involves intricate layering, textures, and flavors. For Yumna, being a pastry chef is about more than just creating beautiful desserts—it’s about leading by example, embracing challenges, and continuously striving for excellence.
Yumna Ismail’s dedication and talent have made her an invaluable asset to Southern Sun Cape Sun, where she continues to delight guests with her exquisite desserts and innovative creations.
These inspiring women have not only broken through glass ceilings but have also redefined culinary excellence. Their stories celebrate their incredible achievements and the powerful impact they have made in their kitchens and beyond.