As promised from last week, some great news and updates from TNHF student Mava Bacela!

Mava is currently working hard towards his dream of opening up the very first restaurant in his township. Through the support of a TNHF college scholarship, Mava is currently in his first year at the Institute for Hospitality Education in Cape Town, South Africa.

Both his incredible work ethic and his exposure to some of the best instructors and culinary facilities in the country a have contributed to his recent success in earning a paid internship position at the Mount Vernon Hotel of Cape Town, voted the best hotel in Africa in both 2008 and 2009 

Mava applied and interviewed for the position and was chosen from a pool of applicants to supplement his studies at the prestigious hotel. This is such great news! Check out where Mava will be working:  http://www.mountnelson.co.za/web/ocap/mount_nelson_hotel.jsp

In addition to focusing on his studies, his new internship, and his time spent playing soccer with JL Zwane Football Club, Mava enjoys sharing his love for food with his family and friends.  

He also recently began volunteering in the kitchen at J.L. Zwane Church, one of TNHF’s community partners in the Cape Flats which serves daily nutritional meals to HIV/AIDS victims and orphans as part of their nutrition program. Mava’s involvement at the JL Zwane Centre will allow him to gain practical experience while using his skills to strengthen existing community initiatives. 

Equipped with an extensive support network, his culinary degree, and a community-oriented entrepreneurial mindset, Mava hopes to open “the first real restaurant” in his township. He sees this opportunity as a way to stay connected with his community and to improve it for the better.

Not only does he seek to stimulate economic development by creating jobs in Gugelethu, he also hopes his restaurant will serve as a community hub, offering a vibrant and positive atmosphere centered around the culture of food. Mava’s demonstrated investment towards his own education as well as the health of his community is inspiring and really illustrates TNHF’s Community Impact Model in action.

Congratulations and keep up the wonderful work, Mava!

Tune in next week for more stories from our students.