Qhawe Petele

Passionate and detail-oriented Chef with international and local experience in hotels, resorts, and large-scale catering environments. Holds a Diploma in Professional Cookery & Kitchen Management with expertise spanning hot and cold kitchen operations, buffet and banqueting service, and HACCP food safety practices. Recognized for creativity in plating, adaptability in fast-paced settings, and strong teamwork across diverse cultures.

Currently seeking chef opportunities in hospitality sector, with a focus on hotels and resorts.

Chef – A la Carte Restaurant & Banquet Kitchen - Crystal Springs Resort - New Jersey, USA

(2025-05 - 2026-05)

Gained international experience in both à la carte and banquet kitchens, mastering grill, sauté, and salad stations while catering for weddings, parties, and large-scale events.

• Prepared dishes across grill, sauté, and salad stations, ensuring consistent taste and presentation.
• Supported breakfast buffet service and catering for weddings, parties, and corporate events.
• Worked flexible hours including all shifts and double shifts to meet operational demands.
• Maintained HACCP standards and food hygiene practices throughout service.

Chef – Banquet Kitchen - Shuku Greenleaf Estate - Pietermaritzburg

(2024-08 - 2024-11)

Delivered banqueting services for weddings, parties, board meetings, and major gatherings, excelling in high-volume event catering.

• Catered for large events including weddings, parties, board meetings, and social gatherings.
• Assisted with menu preparation, buffet setup, and food presentation.
• Delivered high-quality dishes in a fast-paced banqueting environment.
• Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations during functions.

Waitress & Assistant - Onomo Hotel - Durban

(2023 - 2023)

• Waitressed and managed buffet stations for daily service and banqueting events.
• Provided outstanding guest service, including bar and coffee service.
• Assisted with cash handling, reconciling sales, and restaurant preparation.

Commis Chef - Chilli Chocolate Chefs - Durban

(2022 - 2022)

• Prepared cold kitchen items and supported hot kitchen operations.
• Monitored portioning, stock rotation, and waste reduction.
• Maintained hygiene and ensured safe use of storage and refrigeration equipment.

Commis Chef (World Cup Catering) - Urban Hospitality - Qatar

(2022 - 2022)

Selected to work as a Commis Chef during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, gaining valuable experience in high-pressure, multicultural catering environments.

• Worked across stadium kitchens during the FIFA World Cup, serving international spectators.
• Delivered in high-volume, high-pressure catering environments.
• Collaborated with diverse, multicultural kitchen teams.

Diploma - Professional Cookery & Kitchen Management - International Hotel School (2022 - 2024)

Certification - HACCP Food Safety Level 1 Training - IQS (2022 - 2022)

National Senior Certificate - Voortrekker High School (2021)