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East London is home to Azasakhe Gaehler, affectionately known as Diego. Raised in the streets of Mdantsane NU10, Diego is one of several children and grew up with dreams of becoming a nurse. However, as time passed, his career aspirations shifted, and he found himself drawn to a childhood passion—cooking.
Diego’s cooking journey began as a hobby that he cherished from a young age. “During school holidays, I would visit my mother. She had a deep love for cooking, and we would go around the neighborhood selling the food she had prepared,” Diego recalls, sharing the roots of what would eventually become his growing business. He credits his mother as the inspiration behind his cooking skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
Today, Diego operates a small food stall where he prepares a range of delicious dishes, each with a unique Kasi twist. His signature creation? The mouth-watering Rosti Burger. Looking ahead, Diego dreams of owning a renowned restaurant that evokes the nostalgic flavors of his childhood.
One of Diego’s favorite aspects of his work is the constant learning he gains from interacting with his customers, who appreciate the love and care he puts into every meal. He attributes the lack of employment opportunities in the Eastern Cape as a driving factor for starting his business. Confident in his vision, Diego believes in the potential for growth and success.
Earlier this year, the optimistic young chef launched a small feeding program for underprivileged children in Mdantsane NU10, close to his business. This act of kindness is rooted in his belief in ubuntu—”umntu ngumntu ngabantu”—that a person is a person through others.
His motto? “Sell or surrender, what is yours will find its way to you.” It’s a guiding principle he lives by every day.
