Meet Davy Zulu

the head chef at Mfuwe Lodge

Tell us about your family? I come from a family of 13, four boys and nine girls. I was born in Mufulira on the Copperbelt where my father was working for the mines. I’m married to Esther Phiri and we have six children,three boys and three girls.

When did you join Mfuwe Lodge? I joined Mfuwe Lodge in 2000 and my first job was a kitchen porter for one year. In 2002, I did training as a chef right here at Mfuwe Lodge and from 2002 to November 2014, I worked as a senior chef.

Please tell us about your work? Firstly, I’m now the head chef here at Mfuwe Lodge. I was appointed in December, 2014 and I supervise six chefs. Our work begins with the preparation of breakfast for our guests before they go on a game drive.

We then start preparing lunch from 07:00 hours to 10:00 hours and we have tea time at 15:00 hours before guests go for the evening game drives. Preparation of dinner starts at 14:00 hours and is served at 20:00 hours. What have you learnt so far? The first thing that comes to my mind is costing of food. I have learned not to waste any food. This has helped me a lot at home.

What do you enjoy about your work? Mainly it is preparing meals for different guests who come through the lodge and also teaching the other chefs whom I supervise.

What challenges do you face in the field? Not many really. At times we do have some trainee chefs, and you find that you teach them something today and they forget after two days.

What’s next for you, once you leave Mfuwe Lodge? Well, my plan is to open my own bakery where I will be making cakes and other confectionaries. TL Z