From Ezibeleni with Love and Flavour

In Ezibeleni, Komani, the air often carries the inviting aroma of freshly baked scones, spiced stews, and sweet pastries, a sure sign that Mampehle Skepes Yummy and Delicious Food is at work. Founded in 2019 by Siphosethu Sikepe, a young black female entrepreneur with a degree in Tourism and Business Management, the business serves everything from fluffy scones for morning tea to flavour-packed platters for corporate events. Every dish blends traditional favourites with modern flavours, prepared with the belief that food has the power to connect people and uplift communities.

Siphosethu’s journey began in her own kitchen. After graduating, she faced the challenge of finding employment in a tough job market.  Refusing to give up, she used her small savings, a borrowed stove, and her passion for cooking to start selling meals to government employees in Komani. Word spread quickly, fuelled by her WhatsApp updates that doubled as daily menus and Facebook posts showcasing her mouth-watering creations. Clients didn’t just come for the food; they kept coming back for the care, creativity, and personal touch that accompanied every order.

For years, Siphosethu worked without a dedicated space, operating from home and shared facilities. That changed when the ECDC invested R142 000 in her vision, funding a fully equipped mobile kitchen container unit, the business’s first permanent base. This milestone has proved to be more than a workspace, it is a launchpad for bigger dreams, enabling her to create jobs, expand her reach, and prove that with vision and the right support, a young woman from Ezibeleni can grow a brand that feeds both people and possibilities.