By Buziwe Nocuze
• Gospel singer Senyukele Zibobo became a chef after realising music alone could not provide a steady income for his family.
• His catering business now employs young people from different communities, helping them earn money in a province with one of South Africa’s highest unemployment rates.
When the music stopped, Senyukele Zibobo refused to give up.
The gospel singer from Sugarbush near Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape decided he needed another way to earn a living.
Today, he is known not only for his music but also for serving traditional African meals and his popular steamed bread topped with grated carrot.
Zibobo says becoming a chef was one of the best decisions he has ever made.
The music industry can be unpredictable, with some months bringing many bookings and others bringing none.
Instead of waiting for the next performance, he built a business that could support his family all year round.
“I wanted something to fall back on when music became quiet,” he said.
His journey into catering started at his aunt’s restaurant, where he worked as a manager.
While managing the business, he learnt cooking alongside the staff.
He later managed a bed and breakfast, where he trained employees in the kitchen.
After completing professional chef courses, he started his own company, Senyukele Holding, and launched his catering brand, Chef Senyu Oophumza Oomakoti.
Running a business has taught him many hard lessons.
One of the biggest was trusting customers who promised to pay after events.
“I used to cook first and let clients pay later,” he said.
“Some people never paid me. Since then, I only start work after receiving full payment.”
His prices vary depending on the size of the event and what customers want.
Although he prefers not to discuss his fees publicly, he says every event is quoted individually.
The award winning gospel singer, whose album Owam Umvuzo won Best Worship Project at the South African Gospel Recognition Awards, says creating jobs has become just as important as making music.
Whenever he gets a catering contract, he hires young people from his community to work alongside him.
If the event is in another town, he also employs local residents there.
“I understand that unemployment is very high, so I try to give young people an opportunity whenever I can,” he said.
One of those young people is 25 year old Luyolo Gqoli.
He joined Zibobo’s team in 2024 after struggling to find work.
Before that, he spent months sitting at home without a job.
Now he helps with cleaning equipment, setting up venues, decorating and packing after events.
“The money helps my family,” he said.
“We are four people living on my grandmother’s pension. Now I can buy food and help at home.”
He hopes more business owners will follow Zibobo’s example by giving unemployed young people a chance to earn an income.
Scrolla.Africa asked ward councillor Des Ndema what support is available for small businesses like Zibobo’s and what challenges local entrepreneurs face.
He referred all questions to the municipality.
Pictured above: Gospel singer and chef Senyukele Zibobo says his catering business has helped him survive and create jobs for young people.
Image source: Supplied
