Rethabile Khumalo launches mobile kitchen
Singer Rethabile Khumalo has ventured into the culinary world, launching her first mobile kitchen in the heart of Protea Glen.
This is a deeply personal mission to carry forward the dreams she once shared with her late mother, iconic songstress Winnie Khumalo, who passed away on January 7.
Back during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mother-daughter duo envisioned owning a food truck business together. Though life intervened, Rethabile never let go of the idea.
Now, with the launch of her mobile burger kitchen stationed at 17673/8 Protea Glen Ext 9 in Cheesehood Avenue, she’s bringing that shared vision to life.
“My mom and I bought a food truck and we wanted to sell burgers. We realised we could handle it on our own and when we were supposed to launch it, my mother passed away,” she recalled.
“I wanted to carry on with her wishes to open the kitchen because she always believed in my cooking and most of the things I would do.”
Since opening nearly a week ago, the response has been overwhelming.
Rethabile has already sold 100 burgers, with customers praising both the flavor and quality. Her menu also includes a vegetarian option, though she notes demand for it remains low in her township community.
Still, she remains committed to serving a diverse clientele.
“I make sure I accommodate for everybody because it’s not only about kasi. There are people who come from far to buy my burgers and I appreciate them.”
Running the business solo has come with its challenges, but her dedication is unwavering.
“I am selling a lot. I am working alone but I believe I will get people to assist me. It gets hectic. I always make sure I push as much as I can. I don’t like to keep people waiting, so I make sure when I open the burgers are half done so when they arrive to buy I put them back on the stove.”
Beyond business success, Rethabile’s ultimate goal is to inspire others who, like her, come from humble beginnings and have big dreams.
“I want it to expand. I want to have branches at kasi malls to show a girl like me from kasi who is a singer can do more. I want to make my mom proud. I am willing to do anything to make my mom proud because I am the woman I am today because of her.”
