Here in South Africa, we are well aware of the many outstanding people who have found success in a wide range of endeavours thanks to their extraordinary qualities. After a tragic accident in April, a promising young chef named Anele ‘Nelli’ Tembe passed away. Nationwide, many were saddened by her passing. Nelli Tembe was more than just someone who knew famous people; she was a rising star in the culinary industry who dreamed of opening a Michelin-starred establishment in the heart of South Africa.
Tembe attended school in the KwaZulu-Natal province, namely at the Jackie Cameron School of Food and Wine in the city of Hilton. Spending 2018 and 2019 there laid a strong foundation for her future career in the culinary arts. The director of the school, Jackie Cameron, recalls Nelli fondly as a determined student with an unyielding drive to prove her mettle in the cutthroat restaurant profession. The Test Kitchen in Cape Town offered her a full-time post as a result of her exceptional performance when she was there on a work placement, proving that her hard work and talent were not wasted.
The Ultimate Goal of Any Chef’s Career is to Receive Three Michelin Stars
Nelli wanted to get a Michelin star since it is a universal symbol of culinary excellence. She devoted herself to realising her lifelong ambition of building a restaurant deserving of a Michelin star. Nelli’s father, Moses Tembe, was a successful restaurant owner, putting her in a prime position to combine her culinary skills with her business knowledge to achieve her ambition. Nelli’s lifelong ambition was to merge her two passions for food and business by opening her own restaurant.
Paying Tribute to a Rising Star
The entire culinary community, and her mentor Jackie Cameron in particular, were saddened by her sudden demise. Cameron talked fondly about her former student Nelli on social media, recalling how confident Nelli was, how interested she was in learning new things, and how much she wanted to make a good impression. To show her appreciation, she posted a commercial short about Tembe, in which the woman’s infectious joy and positive outlook are highlighted.
Nelli Tembe’s narrative and achievements have served as inspiration for many young people in South Africa, particularly those who aspire to work in the highly competitive sector of culinary arts. Her short yet fruitful career in the culinary arts serves as a reminder that success is not measured in years but in one’s commitment to and enjoyment of their work. Even if she didn’t get the Michelin-star restaurant of her dreams, her vision and drive will continue to inspire other chefs and businesspeople in South Africa’s food industry.
About The Author:
Lunga Dlamini is a journalist specialising in African start-ups and entrepreneurship. Lunga’s fascination with innovative business models and emerging market trends guides his writing. He has an MBA and has been with Africa Nova since its inception.