Unilever Food Solutions (UFS) has launched a new chapter in township catering support through two high-impact masterclasses hosted at Unisa Daveyton and the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex in Sebokeng. Each session drew 100 township caterers for hands-on training designed to improve skills, sharpen business practices and strengthen local economic opportunities.
Yonela Motloung, Marketing Lead at UFS, says the initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to small foodservice businesses. “This programme gives township entrepreneurs practical tools to grow sustainable catering businesses. When small operators thrive, they support broader community and economic development.”
Delivered with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development and supported by Shimba Marketing, the sessions focused on the real challenges and opportunities township caterers face daily.
Building Stronger Food Businesses
UFS Culinary Lead SA, Chef Vusi Mteshane, opened the masterclass with a practical presentation covering key areas that support profitable foodservice operations:
• Operations and efficiency through smart buying, inventory control and better waste management.
• Hygiene and food safety that prevent cross-contamination and promote correct food storage.
• Menu design with cost-effective planning and profit-focused strategy.
• Recipe standardisation to improve consistency, control costs, and reduce waste.
• Recipe costing and gross margin calculations to ensure menu items remain profitable.
• Customer service that builds loyalty and increases repeat business.
• Marketing on a budget using simple social media tactics to connect with customers.
These sessions provided caterers with clear steps to implement immediately in their kitchens and events.
A Live Demonstration with Chef Latoya Marivate
UFS Demand Creation Chef, Latoya Marivate, followed with a live cooking demonstration featuring creamy risotto samp prepared with Knorr Professional Mushroom Sauce. The demo focused on:
• Faster and more efficient cooking methods.
• Practical recipe development.
• Menu ideas suited to township catering needs.
• Ways to elevate familiar dishes with professional techniques.
Her approach offered caterers new ideas without raising operational costs.
Support from Industry Partners
The masterclasses welcomed several special guests:
• Dr Bunki Pitsoane of Unisa.
• Bongani Nkosi, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects at the Gauteng Department of Economic Development.
• Kgolagano Matlhaga, Operator and Trade Marketeer.
• Yonela Motloung from UFS.
Each session closed with Takealot vouchers awarded to four participants and goodie bags containing ten essential Unilever Food Solutions spices for catering kitchens.
Motloung says the programme is part of a long-term mission. “These masterclasses reflect UFS’ commitment to supporting township culinary entrepreneurs with products, training and focused business support. Our goal is to help them grow stronger, more resilient businesses that uplift the catering industry.”
