Loyalty is a rare commodity in today’s fast-paced hospitality industry, especially in this region, where staff turnover can be high and retention is a constant challenge. In an industry where it’s remarkable to hear of a chef spending five years in the same kitchen or a staff member celebrating 10 years with the same team, finding loyal employees is one thing—keeping them is far more complicated. Industry experts often stress that retaining great talent is harder than finding it in the first place.
In a previous interview, Natasha Sideris, founder of Tashas Group, shared, “I owe all my success to my people. They have sacrificed so much to be with me as we collectively pursue the Tashas Group vision.” This wasn’t an exaggeration. Her words reflect the deep connection and commitment that fuel the brand’s success.
Now, here’s a story that exemplifies that sentiment. Meet Gloria ‘Martha’ Khumalo and Dorcas Nyoni—two individuals who have dedicated over 20 years to tashas café and followed the brand’s journey across the globe. Their loyalty, resilience, and shared vision with Natasha are nothing short of inspiring.
Gloria ‘Martha’ Khumalo joined Tashas Group in 2005, back when the brand was still in its early stages. Her first role was a kitchen steward, responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and order of the kitchen. “I was thrilled to get the job,” Martha recalls, reflecting on her early days. “I wanted to make the best impression. At the same time, meeting new people and adjusting to a new environment was stressful, but the team welcomed me with open arms and helped me take my first steps.”
Martha’s nerves were evident on her very first day. “It felt like I had butterflies in my stomach,” she remembers with a smile. “But I was eager to learn everything I could about the food and beverage industry and to grow with my new team.” Her hard work and dedication paid off, and over the years, she rose through the ranks, from those early days as a steward to her current role as Senior Kitchen Manager.
In her own words, Martha’s growth at tashas café is as much about personal development as professional achievement. “The difference in my mindset between then and now is significant. Initially, I just wanted to prove myself, but now, I want to help others become better versions of themselves. I want to pass on what I’ve learnt over the years.”
Similarly, Dorcas Nyoni’s journey with tashas began in 2008 when she joined the group as a receptionist and hostess. She too reflects on the thrill of those early days. “On my first day, I remember being amazed by how busy the shop was, how the staff worked together so seamlessly. The energy of the place was infectious. Despite the pressure, the support from my colleagues made me feel confident and right at home with the brand.”
Over time, Dorcas’ role, like Martha’s, evolved. She moved from the front of house to the kitchen, mastering the intricacies of kitchen management and eventually becoming Kitchen Manager. “The difference in my mindset between when I started and now is miles apart,” she says. “At first, I just wanted to get better every day. Now, I want to help others bring their vision to life and teach them everything I’ve learnt over the past 16 years.”
As senior members of the tashas team, both Martha and Dorcas have embraced their leadership roles, becoming integral to the smooth operation of the café’s kitchens. Martha’s approach to management is hands-on and detail-oriented. “I encourage my team to do their best by actively participating in daily tasks,” she explains. “I believe in leading by example, motivating my team to maintain high standards. I pay attention to the smallest details—whether it’s the precision of ingredient measurements, the presentation of dishes, or cleanliness. These small elements ensure consistency and quality in everything we do.”
Dorcas echoes a similar sentiment about teamwork and communication being the foundation of a well-run kitchen. “A kitchen only runs smoothly if you have everything in place—good stock inventory, high-quality equipment, and enough staff to cover all areas. Teamwork is essential, and when we work together, even the busiest days go smoothly.”
For both women, the challenges of the job can be demanding, but they’ve learnt to rise above them. Martha points out that dealing with unhappy customers is one of the toughest aspects of her role. “You need to have a strong sense of empathy and patience,” she says. “When customers are dissatisfied, you have to be able to solve their problems sincerely and efficiently.”
Dorcas agrees, adding that the hardest part of her job is seeing her team struggle during busy periods, especially when they’re operating with fewer staff. “But that’s when teamwork matters most,” she says. “In those moments, it’s about pulling together and supporting one another.”
Martha and Dorcas both credit much of their personal and professional growth to Natasha Sideris and Jill (Jill Okkers, Culinary Director, Tashas Group) a key figure within the Tashas Group. “Natasha gave me hope for a better future,” Martha says, her voice filled with gratitude. “She didn’t just give me a job; she gave me an opportunity to build a life. Natasha taught me how to stay calm in stressful situations, while Jill showed me how to handle them. Jill has been a rock for Tashas café—her passion for making the brand better every day is contagious. Together, they are the glue that holds the Tashas family together.”
For Dorcas, Natasha and Jill’s leadership qualities have served as a guide for her own management style. “Both Natasha and Jill have always shown kindness, even when they are firm. They never miss an opportunity to offer help when they see someone in need. That’s something I try to emulate in my own leadership.”
At Tashas café, food safety is of the utmost importance, and both Martha and Dorcas are diligent in maintaining the highest standards. Martha explains, “We adhere to strict food safety protocols in the kitchen—washing and sanitising hands regularly, ensuring that food is kept at the correct temperatures, and preventing cross-contamination. We also have checklists in place for monitoring the fridge, deep cleaning, and opening and closing procedures.”
Dorcas adds that the café’s attention to cleanliness and hygiene is meticulous. “We follow the FIFO method (First In, First Out) to ensure that all ingredients are fresh. We have checklists to monitor the chiller and freezer temperatures, check the condition of the equipment, and ensure the proper sanitisation of fruits and vegetables.”
When asked about their greatest achievements at Tashas café, both Martha and Dorcas light up with pride. For Martha, becoming Senior Kitchen Manager stands out as her biggest accomplishment. “It’s an honour to lead such a talented team and to work with people from all over the world. The diversity of our team is something I cherish.”
Dorcas’ greatest achievement is the role she has played in mentoring her colleagues. “One of the things I’m most proud of is knowing that I’ve helped others grow in their careers. Seeing them succeed makes me feel like I’ve done something truly meaningful. Tashas café is more than a job to me—it’s my second family.”
As for the future, both women have ambitious goals. Martha hopes to take on a higher leadership role within the company, while Dorcas is determined to be an inspiration for her children, working hard to provide them with a bright future.
Their advice for those just starting out in the hospitality industry? “Stay calm and collected,” says Martha. “It’s better to take your time solving a challenge than to rush through it. And take the time to understand how your team works so you can collaborate better.” Dorcas adds, “Don’t focus on the obstacles—focus on how to overcome them. And always remember to rest. Our industry can take its toll if you don’t know how to relax.”
