Nwabisa Matinise from Khayelitsha has always loved food and the joy it brings. Growing up, she helped her mother in the kitchen and spent hours watching cooking shows, which sparked her interest in hospitality. When it was time to choose a college, she chose False Bay TVET College because of its strong reputation and practical learning opportunities. She enrolled in Hospitality and Catering Services at the Muizenberg Campus, where her journey truly began.
Her college experience was filled with exciting moments in the kitchen, supportive lecturers, and valuable lessons that shaped her confidence. She especially remembers the encouragement from Miss Baleni, who always pushed her students to do their best and supported them during challenging times. 
Like many students, Nwabisa faced difficulties. COVID-19 disrupted her first semester, causing months away from classes and leaving her discouraged. However, she remained determined, prayed for strength, and persevered until she completed her studies. This period taught her the importance of resilience and believing in herself.
Her first job as a hostess helped her discover her strengths in customer service. She learned how to communicate effectively, serve customers with confidence, and handle difficult situations professionally. Despite facing setbacks—such as losing a job unfairly—she stayed focused on her goals. Her resilience led her to a life-changing opportunity: a hospitality position in the United States.
Today, Nwabisa shares her experiences to motivate others, especially students who dream of working abroad. Her long-term goal is to open her own restaurant and bar and to offer cooking classes for teens in her community.
Her message is clear:
“Never give up. Challenges will come, but your passion and hard work will guide you to success.”
