We sit down with Xoliswa Ndoyiya to reminisce about her days as Madiba’s personal chef.
Xoliswa Ndoyiya was Nelson Mandela’s personal chef for 22 years. We get some inspiration from Made With Love, her new book of recipes and memories.
Other than sharing a glimpse into the food that shaped the later part of Madiba’s life, what prompted you to release this book?
Food brings people together and helps them create memories. It is a centre of celebrations where love is shared. I cook from a place of love and my food connects people. It is my way of honouring my guests.
Since I can’t be everywhere, a cookbook allows me to share my recipes as a gift to people to make and be joyful. Essentially, it gives me an opportunity to spread love.
What did you do when you had time to yourself while you were working for Madiba’s family?
When I joined the family I was much younger and enjoyed going to movies and being lost in films, so I looked forward to those moments when I was free. Over the years, my love for reading grew and I would get lost in books and even magazines.
Naturally, I gravitated towards books on food – these helped me to perfect my cooking. This will sound strange, but cooking itself is a form of relaxation – I love it wholeheartedly. I love to try out new recipes and share meals with my family and friends.
Madiba’s pearls of wisdom are sprinkled throughout your book. What was something he taught you?
He treated each person well and with respect, no matter their age, and he instilled that value in all of the staff. He also emphasised the importance of doing your best for others without expecting a reward. He always motivated me to never give up, no matter how difficult life got. These are the values that I live by.
What was your most memorable moment with Madiba?
Having spent more than 22 years working for him, there are so many memorable moments! One of them was meeting him for the very first time at his house. I was nervous to meet a president, yet he was warm, friendly and welcoming.
He could sense my nervousness and made me feel comfortable, and I appreciated that. Tata was my employer and I didn’t expect anything more from him… so being made one of the beneficiaries in his will came as a huge surprise to me.
I always thought people only included close family members in their wills. This was a great gesture and I was truly touched by it.
What were family dinners like in the Mandela household?
They were big and happy, and everyone came. As the head of the house, Madiba always occupied his seat at the head of the table. I always served them and gave them space to have their discussions, because these moments were precious to Madiba and his family. It was a warm home and there were mostly happy moments that were filled with respect.
You cooked for an icon, you released a book… what’s another dream of yours?
My dream is to own a restaurant that doubles as a culinary school – where people can come in for meals and share laughter. I can also use the space to train youth who want to get into the culinary industry, particularly those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds and cannot afford to access higher education.
What is your message to South African women aspiring to make a difference?
Women always have each other. I was raised by women and it was also mostly women who supported me throughout my career. I’d like women to recognise their power and use it to nurture others, be it in their homes, workplaces and broader community.
We all need to take a moment and be intentional about lifting each other up as we rise in all our spheres, and never to forget to fill our cups.
Words by: Supplied
Photography: Cameron Gibb
