EP6 - From IT to Icon - How Zanele Van Zyl Built a Food Legacy on Her Own Terms
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In this episode of SA Food Stories, Nicci Robertson sits down with culinary creator and bestselling author Zanele Van Zyl to explore her journey from a career in IT to becoming one of South Africa’s most recognisable food voices.
After leaving corporate life to study cooking as a new mother, Zanele built her brand organically through social media, launched cooking classes across the country, and boldly self-published her first cookbook after being rejected by traditional publishers. The gamble paid off when the book sold out 300 copies in a single weekend and went on to win Cookbook of the Year. Zanele also shares her passion for reimagining traditional South African cuisine while preserving its cultural roots, and speaks candidly about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and trusting your own path. A powerful conversation about authenticity, resilience, and the long game behind real success.
After leaving corporate life to study cooking as a new mother, Zanele built her brand organically through social media, launched cooking classes across the country, and boldly self-published her first cookbook after being rejected by traditional publishers. The gamble paid off when the book sold out 300 copies in a single weekend and went on to win Cookbook of the Year. Zanele also shares her passion for reimagining traditional South African cuisine while preserving its cultural roots, and speaks candidly about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and trusting your own path. A powerful conversation about authenticity, resilience, and the long game behind real success.
