03 Sep 2021

Fallen computer genius, Steve Jobs once said “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you have not found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle yet.”

Jobs wise words sums up the career trajectory of one Tefo Kobedi, a 41-year-old self-made Chef from Mahalapye.

This job trotter, armed only with a diploma in Hotel Management and Catering and the fire in the belly to achieve something in life is sure set to spice up the culinary space.

It is perhaps important to clear the air from the onset that Mr Kobedi’s job-hoping is more than anything else prompted by the insatiable thirst to sharpen his culinary skills to become the best in the trade.

Having cut his professional teeth at some of the leading hotels and restaurants in the two cities of Francistown and Gaborone as a waiter, Mr Kobedi now oozes phenomenal cooking skills.

Thapama Cresta hotel, Hard Rock Cafe, Georges Pub are among the foremost resorts where he has rendered his services.

A great fan of the legendary British celebrity Chef, Jamie Oliver, Mr Kobedi’s ability to make tasty dishes and ever growing fan base has thus influenced his decision to go it alone in the past.

“I’ve had memorable gigs with many people some of whom I have travelled along with and cooked for during vacations both locally and across the border. Prior to the expiration of my contracts, I have cooked for some of my clients for years on end.”

His Chef’s skills have taken him to far-flung places such as Cape-Town, Durban, and Walvis Bay to mention but a few.

Locally, Mr Kobedi knack for delectable dishes has taken him to places such as Khawa where he was solely charged with cooking for clients in week-long sojourns at the picturesque sand dunes of Kgalagadi.

He attributes his rise from the bottom rung of the culinary ladder to nuggets of wisdom he got from some of the finest Chefs around among them MacJon Mosenene.

“I have also been privileged to take part in local barbeque competitions in the past. Although I did not win a dime, I walked away with a lot of experience that cannot be traded for anything in the world,’ he said.

Mr Kobedi is currently employed as a Chef at Signature hotel in Thamaga and continues to mesmerize families with his dishes whenever his services are needed during his spare time.

The Mahalapye native’s creative side is the most fascinating. 

He is the brainchild behind one of a kind Chili Sauce that goes by the name Skill Kitchen Chili Sauce. The homemade P50 worth of sauce makes one’s mouth water.

“I have taken my time to do a bit of research when I put this product together. It is unfortunate I cannot disclose some spices that gives it a kick, it remains a deeply guarded secret at the moment,” said the soft spoken Kobedi.

He however divulged to that about three spices commonly used in Asia form the core of the magic sauce.

These and many other ingredients that make up the three-year-old sauce, he said were readily available in local supermarkets.

The mass production of the sauce has not taken off the ground yet and Mr Kobedi remains focused on branding the product before placing it on the shelves. BOPA