An African chef – Joash Mangoli Boiyo

November 9, 2010

In 2003, Joash Mangoli Boiyo moved from Kenya to South Africa in search of better opportunities. In March 2008, he joined Maropeng as a junior chef, making salads and sandwiches, and hasn’t looked back since.

In the past two years Joash has been trained in desserts, the hot section as well as set menus. He is currently completing a course in culinary arts with Hospitality Trainers and Associates in Johannesburg. “I want to [improve] in what I do, to be in a better position to do the right thing in terms of customer service,” he says.

Customer service is, after all, the most enjoyable part of his current position, Joash says, as he finds that serving guests uplifts his spirits.

Joash grew up in a village in Bungoma, Kenya and says he didn’t always want to be a chef. In high school he had dreams of being a lawyer but this wasn’t where his talents ultimately lay.

His culinary career began in Kenya’s famous coastal resort city: “The first time I tasted the life of the kitchen was at a disco in Mombasa, as a scullery worker and kitchen assistant.”

Peter Langa, Maropeng’s head chef, saw Joash’s potential as soon as he started: “For him, being here is a privilege. He is very committed and reliable. He honours his job,” says Peter.

Peter also commends Joash’s creativity: “He likes to experiment and often comes to the office to Google new recipes to try.”

 

His drive to innovate hasn’t stopped him enjoying the simplicity of making fresh salads, however. “I really love preparing salads, especially crunchy salads – the simplicity of it. It’s more fresh,” Joash says.

Miriam Kwapeng, one of Maropeng’s junior chefs, says Joash is great to work with: “He’s always happy and enjoys a challenge. He likes to be busy.”

While he misses Kenya, Joash says that South Africa continues to be a good place to live: “Kenya will always be home but South Africa has allowed me to be who I am today. There has been a big change in my life, especially in my profession.

“It has been a wonderful time for me in terms of improving [my] skills.”

 

 

 

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