19-year-old, Mercedes Richards, from Tafelsig, 18-year-old Scarla Karriem from Lentegeur and 22-year-old Anushka Johnson (Tafelsig) are flying the Cape Flats flag high and setting a shining example to learners from all walks of life that dreams can come true.
Mercedes and Scarla are at Upper Quay (the upstairs deck of Quay4) as part of the company who owns the restaurant, Tourvest Restaurant Division, Learnership Programme, which is a 12 month fixed contract. While Anushka has some experience behind her already, having worked as a griller at Table Mountain after completing her learnership at the Table Bay Hotel. She has also worked at the Peninsula Hotel and at the Cape Town Convention Centre.
Anushka is the Kitchen Manager at Upper Quay and she tells me that her job is to make sure the kitchen runs smoothly. “The cooks do the actual cooking, although I can help out if needs be, but I make sure the food looks good before going out, stock count is in order, inventory, supplies, that kind of thing,” she says.
I asked Upper Quay General Manager, Kelby Schnetler to allow the ladies to present me with a tasting sample of a dish of their choice during the interview, to which he readily agrees.
“He’s a great guy Kelby, easy to talk to and manages us well,” says Anushka.
First up is Mercedes, serving her take on Panna Cotta with fresh and dried raspberry and liquorice gelée. Tasting this visually stunning creation leaves me in no doubt that Mercedes has chosen the right career path.
“So how did you end up here,” I ask.
Her story is a similar refrain to the many children and young adults who have somehow survived the social dysfunction and generational trauma hangovers from our challenging past. “I didn’t really go to school much, cos there was so much family and community drama growing up.”
The usual actors, headlined by domestic violence and substance abuse, in the drama are well-known to all of us and does not warrant repetition of particulars.
“I struggled to keep up and didn’t really enjoy the “normal” school experience. The principal of the school clearly noticed something and suggested I try the MPSOS.”
Mercedes says the practical nature of the classes at MPSOS made a big difference. “I enjoyed the experience of working with my hands and being active. My experience here at Upper Quay has been great. I work the early shift, which means I get up at 4am to be at work by 7am, until 3pm. I do prep, bake bread and make desserts, all under the watchful eye of a senior chef.”
I ask her if she had stayed at a so-called normal school, does she think she would have ended up where she is now. “Actually, I don’t think so, the school of skills is geared to help learners focus their energy on what works for them and what they’re good at.
“I do want to ask people to stop stigmatizing kids who go to schools of skills, because at the end of the day it actually gives us a real chance to work in the industries we choose, I mean me working here is proof of that.”
Next on the menu is Scarla Karriem’s Tempura Prawns. Scarla’s shy quiet demeanor is betrayed by a twinkle of mischief in the eye that hints at a deeper inner strength.
I take a bite and it is really delicious. She smiles when I tell her so.
She tells me that she lives with her mom and shares a two bedroom one-and-a-half bathroom house with 7 other relatives.
This is why I write these stories, because despite these situations, there are these incredible and indomitable souls., who are rising above the hand they were dealt to show the next generation what is possible.
“The school I was at decided that I was a struggling a bit, especially with reading. I didn’t really understand what was going on at the time, and why it was decided that I should go to the school of skills, but in hindsight, I am very glad that it happened. They gave us three options to choose from and I tried hairdressing, nursing, and hospitality which resonated the most with me.”
“Becoming a chef is my dream and the goal is to open my own restaurant one day and to travel the world.” Her smile is contagious and I find myself smiling too before trying another delicious prawn.
She says her dream destinations are Paris and Las Vegas. I call her in closer and look around so nobody can hear what I whisper in her ear: “You go to Vegas first, hit the tables, win big and start your own restaurant with the winnings, deal?” And there’s that laugh again.
I ask her what advice she’d give to any young kids reading this article who may be where she was 5 years ago. “Never give up on your dreams, and always help someone who is worse off than you, even if you don’t have much yourself.”
“Wise, witty, compassionate and creative,” dink ek.
Anushka sets down a big plate of Aglio e olio pasta topped with prawns in front of me, before explaining the dish and warning me that there’s chili, “lots of chili.”
Anushka’s vibe is like she’s always one step away from a good laugh, or a stern reprimand, and you never quite know what you’re going to get until you get it.
“I was quite playful at school and never really focused or got anything done, which apparently can be quite a problem at school,” she giggles. “Obviously the condition of ADHD was serious enough that I found myself at the school of skills,” she adds somewhat seriously.
“I tried motor mechanics and welding but I didn’t like that my hands were always dirty,” cue the giggles again. “And then I tried cheffing in the hospitality course and, bingo, I loved it and still enjoy every minute of it.”
“I’m a visual learner, you have to show me what you want because words and writing don’t always get the whole picture through to me. That’s why the school of skills is so special and can make a huge difference in someone’s life trajectory,” says Anushka.
“So where to from here?”
“I like it here, so I will stay and work my way up through the levels and opportunities that will come my way, but long term its definitely working and traveling internationally and improving my family’s lifestyle. I’m also aware of not becoming too comfortable. Sometimes, because of our past, when we reach the first safe haven, we think that’s enough, or that’s what we deserve, but the truth is that we can do so much more, and we deserve so much more.”
Editor’s note: The ladies each pointed out separately to the guidance and support received by former Mitchells Plain School of Skills teacher, Mr Xenophon de Jongh, known as Xen, who they paid tribute to as being instrumental in their career and life journey. Xen has been responsible for assisting many learners in securing jobs in their respective industries and he continues to do so.
Read more incredible inspirational stories here.
