Award-winning chef Palesa Pejane from Botshabelo keeps soaring higher and higher.
Her journey into the culinary world began in 2020 during the lockdown. At the time, she was studying Electrical Engineering at the Central University of Technology (CUT) and completing her practical training. With classes disrupted and more time spent at home due to the pandemic, she turned to baking out of boredom, not knowing it would completely change the direction of her life.
What started as a simple way to pass the time quickly became something much deeper. Baking gave Palesa a sense of calm and curiosity that she had never experienced before. It felt far more fulfilling than working with electricity, fixing appliances, or coding. Palesa began baking for people close to her, and as the demand grew, she started creating her business called Humble Taste.
“In 2023, I took a bold step and enrolled at the Food and Beverage Institute in Bloemfontein, where I studied Culinary Arts and Pastry. It was an incredible experience that exposed me to the depth of French cuisine, refined techniques, and the art of balancing flavours,” she shared.
In 2024, Palesa had the honour of representing the institute alongside Michelle Jansen van Vuuren at an international competition in Kolkata, India. She won first place in the Cake Icing category and second in the Culinary category, while Michelle secured third place in Mixology. This experience not only tested her skills but also affirmed her passion and potential in the culinary field.
After completing her studies, Palesa further expanded her experience internationally by working in the United States at the prestigious Charleston Place in Charleston, South Carolina, where she spent a year in the banquets kitchen and learned invaluable lessons not only about food but about the essence of hospitality.
“One of the most important lessons I took from that experience was the concept of intentional hospitality—the idea of not simply doing tasks because they are required, but approaching every detail with purpose, care, and thoughtfulness to create meaningful and memorable experiences.”
With Humble Taste, her business specializes in creating customized cakes and cupcakes tailored to each client’s vision, whether for birthdays, weddings, or special celebrations. Every product is crafted not just to taste good, but to create lasting memories.
In addition to her products, Palesa also offers cake-making and decorating classes. These classes are designed to equip individuals with practical skills that can help them start their own businesses in a short period of time.
“I strongly believe that sharing knowledge does not diminish one’s success but rather creates opportunities for others to grow. By empowering others with skills, we contribute to reducing unemployment and building a community of skilled individuals who can become collaborators, partners, or future leaders in the industry,” Palesa added.
Beyond baking, Humble Taste also offers private chef services for intimate gatherings, as well as catering for larger events—delivering food that is both visually appealing and rich in flavour. What began as a moment of curiosity has grown into a purpose-driven business rooted in passion, creativity, and the desire to make every experience special.
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