Mbuso Mpilo Khumalo
Summary
Pursuing a dynamic career in hospitality with a focus on exceeding expectations and setting high standards. Committed to building strong relationships with colleagues and enhancing teamwork to drive success. Dedicated to continuous skill development and professional growth within the industry. Dedicated Commis Chef with proven expertise in maintaining high kitchen hygiene standards and delivering exceptional customer service under pressure. Detail-oriented culinary professional skilled in kitchen organization and effective communication. Known for collaborating with kitchen teams to streamline food preparation processes, ensuring quality and compliance with health regulations. Adaptable Commis Chef with strong emotional intelligence and assertiveness. Experienced in maintaining composure during peak hours while enforcing health and safety standards, committed to enhancing kitchen efficiency and quality.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Commis Chef
Aha Gateway Hotel
Durban, South Africa
12.2025 - 03.2026
- Maintained a high standard of kitchen hygiene, regularly cleaning work areas and equipment to meet health and safety regulations.
- Worked efficiently under pressure during peak dining hours, maintaining composure and delivering consistent quality.
- Washed, peeled and chopped food before cooking preparation.
- Enforced health and safety standards for food storage, preparation and handling.
- Regularly conducted deep cleans of kitchen and storage areas to maintain hygiene.
- Assisted with diverse food preparation tasks, chopping vegetables and garnishes to support high-volume shifts.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to streamline cooking processes, reducing food preparation times without compromising quality.
- Assisted head chefs with menu creation, exercising creativity and forward-planning skills.
- Conducted daily checks of refrigerator temperatures and food storage arrangements to prevent spoilage.
Commis de Cuisine
Urban Hospitality Services
Doha, Qatar
11.2022 - 12.2022
- Maintained stringent hygiene and cleanliness standards in food preparation and service areas while preparing and cooking an assortment of dishes.
- Assisted chefs by preparing simple salads, sandwiches and sides.
- Participated in menu planning meetings, offering suggestions based on customer feedback and ingredient availability.
Chef intern
KALAHARI RESORTS & CONVENTION CENTER
Pocono Manor, United States Of America
12.2019 - 12.2020
- Assisted in food production processes to ensure timely service.
- Prepared mise-en-place to streamline cooking operations.
- Executed frying, sautéing, grilling, and roasting techniques to enhance dish quality.
- Chopped, mixed and prepared ingredients for line cooks ahead of busy periods.
- Monitored cooking processes and adjusted food seasoning, demonstrating a keen attention to flavour and quality.
Chef Trainee
GARDEN COURT MARINE PARADE
08.2017 - 01.2018
- Assisted in preparing recipes and setting up menu options.
Supported kitchen team in maintaining hygiene and cleanliness standards.
Helped ensure timely meal preparation and presentation. - Washed, peeled and chopped food before cooking preparation.
- Worked efficiently under pressure during peak dining hours, maintaining composure and delivering consistent quality.
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - Hospitality Operations
South African Hospitality Institute
Durban, KZN, South Africa01-2019
Certificate - Professional Cookery
SOUTH AFRICAN HOSPITALITY INSTITUTE
Durban, KZN, South Africa01-2018
Grade 12 - Senior Certificate
ROSSBURGH HIGH SCHOOL
Durban, KZN, South Africa01.2016
Skills
- Computer literacy
- Assertiveness
- Outspoken communication
- Ability to work under pressure
- Emotional intelligence
- Customer service
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
References
- Stuart Jones (Executive Chef- Aha Gateway Hotel) +27 67 257 2497
- Ziningi Dubazana (Human Resources Officer-Aha Gateway Hotel) +27 83 736 8235
- Ratna Bastinet (Urban Hospitality Service) +974 4477 0455
- Kelly Barnefiher ( Human Resources-Kalahari Resorts) +1 570-580-6017
- Jonathan Fontbin (Sous Chef-Suncoast Hotel & Towers) +27 73 037 2514
Hobbies and Interests
- Cooking
- Reading
- Fitness
- Travelling
Languages
English
Upper Intermediate
B2
Certification
- Level 4 [Professional Cookery]
- Level 5 [Hospitality Operations]
Education
other
Custom Section
Certificate In Professional Cookery- Level 4
Diploma In Hospitality Operations- Level 5
Hobbies and interests
- Travelling
- Reading
- Fitness
- Cooking
Languages
5,C1
Timeline
Commis Chef
Aha Gateway Hotel
12.2025 - 03.2026
Commis de Cuisine
Urban Hospitality Services
11.2022 - 12.2022
Chef intern
KALAHARI RESORTS & CONVENTION CENTER
12.2019 - 12.2020
Chef Trainee
GARDEN COURT MARINE PARADE
08.2017 - 01.2018
Diploma of Higher Education - Hospitality Operations
South African Hospitality Institute
Certificate - Professional Cookery
SOUTH AFRICAN HOSPITALITY INSTITUTE
Grade 12 - Senior Certificate
ROSSBURGH HIGH SCHOOL