By Mpheni Tshivhase
- Sbongiseni Mashiane runs a legal mobile kitchen in Soweto, selling hotdogs from R25 to schoolchildren and residents.
- He started in 2024, works alone and plans to grow Chef Shenkho fast food into a bigger business.
Sbongiseni Mashiane is building his future one R25 hotdog at a time outside Curro Protea Glen in Soweto.
The young cook started his mobile food business in 2024 after seeing a need for cheap, quick meals in the area.
During the day, schoolchildren and nearby residents buy his hotdogs and boerewors.
Business gets busier later when people return home and want dinner without cooking.
“During the day, my customers are mostly schoolchildren and people around the kasi,” Mashiane said.
“But in the late afternoon, it gets busy because people want dinner and are not keen on cooking.”
Mashiane works alone from 11am until 6.30pm.
He keeps his utensils, sauces and work surfaces clean. His business is registered and health officials have inspected his mobile kitchen.
Mashiane uses a gas fryer connected to a 7kg cylinder, which lasts about 10 days. He usually fills it three times a month and keeps a smaller cylinder for emergencies.
He travels from Springs to Protea Glen to run the business.
His parents wanted him to find a job, but Mashiane chose to create work for himself.
He taught himself how to cook through practice and now hopes to grow his Chef Shenkho fast food brand.
Mashiane said he did not always receive the support he needed, but refused to give up.
“I believe young people can build their own businesses,” he said.
“It takes discipline, hard work and the courage to step out of your comfort zone because nothing grows there.”
His goal is to build a better life for himself and his family.
Pictured above: Sbongiseni Mashiane sells affordable hotdogs and boerewors from his mobile kitchen outside Curro Protea Glen in Soweto.
Image source: Supplied
