SMME Portal Blog

Four Eerste River entrepreneurs have literally put together their money where their mouths often are- around good food. But they’re making their money cooking food, and are providing good entertainment too.

The four are , Vusi Ngwenya, Eva Stuurman-Sofute and Pamela Gcanga-Ngwenya, who own Diverse Catering and Entertainment CC.
While the business’s focus is African cuisine, it does cater a variety of foods “to satisfy and suit” any occasions.

The four, who are two married couples, established the business partnership this year, each bringing different skill to share in the enterprise. They began operating in June and run it from the Sofute home.

After only three months they all agree that they have achieved a measure of success already.
Eager to get their business off the ground the four started out with only one stove and a few pots, but as demand has increased they have had to hire additional cooking utensils.
They also offer an entertainment. “We offer marimba music…..depending on the occasion, so that our clients can also be entertained while enjoying our delicious meals,” Said Ngwenya.

Sofute and Vusi came up with the idea of starting the catering business as both are experienced chefs who have worked for various restaurant and hotels.
While working at a hotel I thought “Why shouldn’t I start a catering company because I have 18 years experience” said Ngwenya.

So they teamed up and with their wives- Eva Stuurman-Sofute who has worked in the hospitality industry, and Pamela Gcanga-Ngwenya in bookkeeping – started the business.

But like most people entering into business for themselves they needed guidance on finding financial assistance. They had started up with their own funds but needed more money to keep up with the growing demand for their services so they approached staff at the Red Door offices in Table View for assistance.

Red Door is a provincial government initiative aimed at helping entrepreneurs with business advice and information.
“Red Door has been a great help in assisting us in finding finance to buy our own cooking material,” said Sofute.
Looking to the future, he said he and his partners hoped to move to proper business premises when money allowed and planned to build their business into one of the best catering concerns in Cape Town.