“VUT Food Service Management student Inam Maya transformed an unexpected study choice into a passion for hospitality and dreams of a future in the global food industry.”
13 October 2026 | Story by: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
Nako ea ho bala metsotso e 3.
For Inam Maya, a second-year Food Service Management student at Vaal University of Technology (VUT), the path to hospitality was not one she initially planned to follow. Yet what began as an unexpected academic choice has grown into a passion and a vision for a future without limits.
Born and raised in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, Inam says her relationship with Food Service Management developed over time as she began to understand the breadth and possibilities within the field.
“To be honest, this wasn’t my course of choice. But after learning about it and knowing the depth of it, it’s something that grew on me to an extent that it’s something I believe that I needed to do.”
Her journey at VUT has not always been easy. Like many students adapting to university life and the demands of a professional programme, she has faced challenges along the way. However, those obstacles have become part of what makes her experience meaningful.
“There’s joy and satisfaction in doing well in things that you once thought you would never be able to do.”
That determination and growth did not go unnoticed. During her first semester, Inam was selected by one of her lecturers to assist with graduation catering preparations. Her dedication and performance earned her another opportunity to be part of the team supporting VUT’s 60th Graduation Celebrations.
Working behind the scenes during one of the University’s most important events, Inam helped prepare a variety of dishes, including savoury platters, lamb stews, fish and accompanying side dishes. Her responsibilities ranged from ingredient preparation to assisting head chefs and ensuring that meals met the required standards before being served.
For Inam, hospitality is about far more than cooking.
She believes food service professionals need a strong understanding of what they prepare, including ingredient knowledge, allergen awareness and the ability to answer guests’ questions confidently.
The experience of preparing meals for university leaders, staff and guests has helped reinforce the practical lessons she learns in the classroom. It has also allowed her to apply skills ranging from fundamental cooking techniques and knife skills to nutrition and food safety principles.
“It’s a good feeling seeing people enjoying it and having a level of appreciation.”
While she is focused on completing her studies, Inam’s ambitions extend far beyond graduation. She dreams of experiencing different cuisines around the world, developing her culinary expertise and one day owning Michelin-starred restaurants.
Her aspirations reflect the confidence she has gained since beginning a course she once never imagined herself studying.
More importantly, she hopes her journey demonstrates that circumstances do not define a person’s future. Growing up in Khayelitsha taught her resilience, while her experiences at VUT have shown her the value of embracing unexpected opportunities.
Today, what started as uncertainty has evolved into a clear sense of purpose. Through hospitality, Inam is not only building a career. She is creating a future shaped by her own ambitions, determination and belief in what is possible.