At just 28 years of age, Sesethu Bukani has already carved out a name for himself on the global culinary stage. From humble beginnings in the township of Mdantsane in East London, one of South Africa’s largest and most vibrant communities, Bukani’s journey is one of resilience, faith and an unshakable belief in the power of dreams.

“I was born and raised eLokishini,” he says with pride. “From the dusty streets of Mdantsane, I learned resilience, faith and the importance of chasing my dreams no matter the obstacles.”

Those early lessons would eventually take him from South Africa’s Eastern Cape to the glittering skyline of Doha, Qatar, where he now works as a Commis Chef at Nobu Doha, the world-renowned Japanese-Peruvian restaurant located inside the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel.

Bukani’s love for cooking began at home under the guidance of his mother, who introduced him to the kitchen when he was just five years old. By his teenage years, he was already experimenting with flavours and techniques, often challenging his mother in playful kitchen competitions.

“She was my first teacher,” he recalls. “Helping her with catering and church dinners taught me not just how to cook, but how to serve people with love and creativity.”

Before he ever wore a professional chef’s jacket, Bukani was already running a small food business from his home, selling kotas and dagwoods under the name Kota Past 9. It was this entrepreneurial spark and passion for food presentation that pushed him to pursue formal training and turn his hobby into a career.

In 2024, Bukani enrolled at Capsicum Rosebank campus in Johannesburg, signing up for the Professional Chef Programme – a decision that changed the trajectory of his life.

“Joining Capsicum was a turning point. It gave me the training, exposure and confidence to take my culinary skills to the next level,” he says. “From day one, I manifested that I’d become an international chef and God granted that manifestation.”

His industry placements took him through some of Johannesburg’s most respected kitchens, including The Prawnery, Saint Restaurant, and Marble Pastry Kitchen, each experience sharpening his technique and giving him a deep appreciation for the precision and discipline required in fine dining.

Just after his final exams in December 2024, an unexpected opportunity came his way – a virtual interview with Four Seasons Hotel Doha for a position at Nobu Doha.

“I still remember that day vividly. I borrowed a chef jacket from the campus fitting room, and Chef Andile, who’s now the principal, helped me find black buttons for it. I was nervous but excited, and that interview changed my life.”

He officially joined Nobu Doha shortly afterward and graduated from Capsicum in absentia on 23 June 2025.

Now based in Qatar, Bukani’s daily routine is a masterclass in discipline. His days start with prayer, scripture and superfoods like sea moss and moringa, followed by a full day in the high-pressure environment of Nobu’s kitchen.

As the Garde Manger Chef, he’s responsible for salads, cold dishes and intricate seafood preparations, a station that demands precision and creativity. But he doesn’t stop there.

“Whenever I can, I learn from other stations – Tempura, Sauté, Sushi Bar – because I want to master all seven. Each one teaches me something new.”

After service, he heads to the gym, balancing his demanding schedule with health and mindfulness. “Discipline is everything,” he says. “Whether it’s the gym, the kitchen, or my spiritual life, consistency is key.”

Influenced by the Japanese-Peruvian fusion at Nobu and his South African roots, Bukani’s style reflects elegance, balance and innovation. His dishes often highlight seafood, modern plating and refined flavour harmony.

“I’m inspired by the beauty of simplicity and Japanese cuisine has taught me that less can be more. It’s about precision, respect for ingredients and emotion on the plate.”

In five years, he envisions himself leading his own kitchen, mentoring young chefs and eventually opening a restaurant that tells his story through flavour.

“I want to create a space where people not only enjoy exceptional food but feel inspired by the story behind it,” he says.

Before dashing off for service, he answered a few quick fire questions:

What are your five kitchen ingredient essentials?

Eggs, garlic, butter, thyme and cheese.

What would you order for your last meal?

Creamy carbonara with grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits and roasted butternut cubes.

What is your food philosophy?

As a Xhosa man, there’s nothing I won’t eat. If it’s on a plate, I’m eating it!

If you could host a dinner for five guests who would they be and why?

I’d invite Gordon Ramsay, Nobu Matsuhisa, Patrice Motsepe, David Higgs and Jay-Z, with each representing discipline, innovation, success, creativity and hustle, respectively.

And finally, do you have a message for aspiring chefs?

“Your dreams are valid. Your passion is your fuel. Combine faith, hard work, and the willingness to learn, and the kitchen can take you anywhere in the world.”

From Mdantsane’s township streets to one of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, Chef Sesethu Bukani is living proof that with perseverance, purpose and passion, no dream is too far from reach.