From sharing recipes on Facebook to becoming one of South Africa’s most influential culinary voices, Chef Zanele has built a career on community, authenticity, and heart.
By: Nomsa Khumalo
When Chef Zanele van Zyl first started posting her recipes on Facebook in 2014, she wasn’t trying to build a brand — she was trying to help people cook.
“I noticed that many people wanted to cook, but they didn’t know where to start. So I decided to share simple, accessible recipes that used ingredients people could actually find,” she recalls.
Those early posts — often shot in her home kitchen with no fancy equipment — struck a chord. Within months, she had built an online following that now stretches into the hundreds of thousands. Her warm, no-nonsense style and relatable approach to food made her a household name long before she released her best-selling cookbooks and started touring the country.
ROOTED IN UBUNTU
For Zanele, food has never just been about flavours; it’s about connection.
“In my culture, food is love. It’s how we say thank you, how we comfort someone, how we celebrate,” she says. “Ubuntu is about humanity and togetherness, and that’s the foundation of my cooking.”
Whether she’s teaching a class in a rural community hall or cooking for a corporate event, she treats every interaction as a chance to uplift someone. She’s known for sharing not only recipes, but also tips on budgeting, planning, and making the most of what you have.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EDUCATION
Over the years, Chef Zanele has expanded her work to include cooking workshops, catering, and mentorship programmes for young chefs. She focuses on demystifying cooking and showing people that a great meal doesn’t require expensive gadgets or rare ingredients.
One of her most popular workshops is “Cooking for 4 with R150” — a practical, hands-on class where participants learn how to make nutritious, tasty meals on a budget.
“I want people to leave my classes feeling empowered, not intimidated,” she explains. “Food should bring joy, not stress.”
KEEPING IT REAL
Even with her growing fame, Zanele has remained grounded. She still cooks at home for her family, still shops in local supermarkets, and still responds personally to many of the messages she receives on social media.
“I’m grateful for every person who has supported me,” she says. “I never forget where I come from. I am here because people shared my recipes, invited me into their kitchens, and trusted me with their meals.”
Her journey is a testament to the power of staying true to yourself while serving others.
“Cooking with Ubuntu means you see the person you’re cooking for. It’s about love, respect, and care — and that’s what makes the food taste better.”