Alumnus: Chef Lebo Phala

In a world consumed by fast food and fleeting fads, Chef Lebo Phala stands out as a visionary force for change. From her base in Pretoria East, this dynamic chef, entrepreneur, and cultural custodian is leading a quiet but powerful food revolution through her culinary brand, HL Culinary. Her mission? To reconnect people with the richness of indigenous African cuisine and the wisdom of ancestral nourishment.

“Our ancestors understood balance,” Lebo explains. “They lived in harmony with the natural world and that’s the wisdom we need to return to.”

Born and raised in Mohlaletse Village, Ga Sekhukhune (Limpopo), Lebo’s love for food began in her mother’s kitchen. “My mother didn’t just feed stomachs, she fed spirits,” she recalls. That legacy of nourishment and intention continues to shape her approach to food today.

After earning a Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking from Capsicum in 2020, Lebo gained experience across several professional kitchens before founding HL Culinary in 2022. The business has since grown into a multifaceted brand encompassing a fine dining restaurant, catering company, pop-up eatery, and a line of indigenous food products like dried morogo and thelele.

Lebo’s signature style blends tradition with innovation, reimagining African classics with elegance and precision — think ting ya mabele with beetroot-glazed trout or rooibos-smoked lamb ribs. Each dish is a love letter to Africa’s culinary heritage.

Beyond the plate, Lebo is deeply passionate about women empowerment, food education, and cultural storytelling. As a chef, photographer, and mentor, she ensures the visual and emotional essence of African cuisine shines globally.

“Food is culture,” she says. “It’s how we heal, remember, and reconnect.”