“VUT Food Service Management student Basetsana Moeti is turning her lifelong passion for cooking into a hospitality career while gaining hands-on experience at major university events.”
13 October 2026 | Story by: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
Metsotso e 2 nako ya go bala.
For Ms Basetsana Moeti, a second-year Diploma in Food Service Management student at Vaal University of Technology (VUT), a love for food has always been more than a hobby. Growing up in Sebokeng, just minutes from the University, she developed a fascination with cooking that has now become the foundation of her future career.
“I have always had a passion for food from a young age,” she said. “I enjoyed watching cooking shows more than cartoons. I knew I wanted to turn that passion into a career.”
Today, Ms Moeti is doing exactly that through her studies and practical training at VUT. She describes her academic journey as challenging, exciting and rewarding, providing her with valuable skills in kitchen operations, food preparation, teamwork and hygiene management.
Her commitment and performance during practical sessions recently earned her an opportunity to work as part of the catering team during VUT’s 60th Graduation Celebrations. Selected by one of the University’s Food and Beverage Operations Technicians, she joined fellow students in preparing and serving meals for guests attending the milestone event.
Working across both the hot and cold kitchen sections, Ms Moeti assisted in preparing a variety of breakfast items, including chicken wraps, fruit salads, muffins, sandwiches and croissants. Her responsibilities ranged from food preparation and cooking to plating and presentation, ensuring meals met the required standards before service.
“Cooking for the University’s graduation ceremonies is a big responsibility because it is such an important occasion for students, their families and guests,” she said.
The experience required her to work efficiently under pressure while maintaining food quality, hygiene standards and presentation.
For Ms Moeti, one of the most rewarding aspects of hospitality is seeing people enjoy the meals she helps prepare.
“It feels fulfilling and rewarding,” she said. “There is no better feeling than seeing people enjoy and compliment the food I prepared. It reminds me that I chose the right career path.”
Reflecting on what she has learned so far, she believes success in the hospitality industry requires much more than culinary skills alone.
“Good food is not only about taste. It is also about teamwork, hygiene and proper time management,” she said.
She is particularly proud of her ability to contribute professionally in a fast-paced environment while helping to deliver a successful large-scale event.
As she continues her studies, Ms Moeti hopes to further develop her practical skills, gain industry experience through internships and build a successful career in the hospitality sector.
For the young woman from Sebokeng, every opportunity in the kitchen brings her one step closer to transforming a childhood passion into a lifelong profession.