Zola Nene is a celebrated South African chef, food personality, and culinary storyteller whose career spans more than a decade of hands-on kitchen experience, food media mastery, and creative leadership in the culinary world. Her journey began unconventionally: after two years studying BCom Law, she took a leap of faith, moved to England on a working visa, and discovered her true calling in the heat of a professional kitchen. From the hot section to head pastry chef in a Cheshire brasserie, she sharpened her craft through real-world experience and a willingness to learn from the ground up.
Returning to South Africa, Zola enrolled at the Institute of Culinary Arts in Stellenbosch, where she trained under acclaimed chefs including Margot Janse and Chris Erasmus. She later specialized in Food Media, developing the skills that would shape her into one of the country’s most recognizable culinary voices. Her time as a food assistant at a leading magazine refined her recipe development, styling, and storytelling talents—skills she continues to bring to television, publishing, and live events
Zola Nene culinary career spans over 10 years and started during her second-year study gap in England. After studying BCom. Law for two years, Chef Zola Nene realised that it was not the career path she wanted to pursue and so applied for a UK holiday working visa and ventured off to England to discover what it was she really wanted to do.
“I’ve always been interested in food so I decided to look for a job in a professional kitchen,” reminisces Zola. “I worked in a brasserie in Cheshire for two years, first as a hot section chef and then as the head pastry chef.
I have really paid my dues!” After Zola Nene two-year stint in England, she returned to South Africa and immediately enrolled at the Institute of Culinary Arts in Stellenbosch. During her studies, she had the opportunity to work with some top local chefs such as Margot Janse of Le Quartier François and Chris Erasmus of Foliage Restaurant.
And then, after specialising in Food Media in her third year of studies, Zola perfected her trade as a food assistant at a leading food and lifestyle magazine for six months.
From catering management to TV kitchens, Zola is known for her warm presence, flavorful approach, and ability to make cuisine both joyful and achievable. She bridges professional technique with everyday practicality, connecting deeply with audiences who crave inspiration, creativity, and relatable guidance. Whether appearing on screen, hosting demonstrations, or delivering keynotes, Zola offers a fresh, grounded perspective that celebrates food as culture, memory, and connection.
Zola Nene develops recipes for brands and a variety of publications, is available as an emcee and food judge, and works as a food stylist.
Simply Delicious – Zola Nene In her own words, she says, ‘Food has always been a huge part of my life; important occasions were always marked with a feast of some sort…’ this book chronicles my food journey thus far – how it started and what has shaped me into the chef I am today.’
And that’s exactly what Simply Delicious is all about; it’s Zola’s culinary career told through her recipes, interspersed with snippets and perspectives of her life journey, including tributes to the people who have inspired and influenced her cooking style and explaining the reason for certain culinary choices that she has made.
If one had to describe Zola’s personality in a single idea, it would be ‘irrepressible joy’, which is the thread running through this journey as well as the state evoked by her delicious dishes.
Her food philosophy is very simple – cooking is for everyone. With easy-to-follow instructions, the recipes will ensure that anyone can produce mouth-watering results.
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