He’s gone from working on heavy machinery to mincing meat and now Johann Zietsman, along with his wife Annette, is serving up supreme South African food in the Bundaberg Region.
The couple moved to Moore Park Beach two months ago to be closer to Annette’s parents, and after falling in love with the region, they have opened JAZ Authentic South African Food.
“I came here last year as I worked in the mines, and Annette’s parents live here,” Johann said.
“We loved the place so much and so decided to sell up everything in Victoria and we moved here just two months ago.
“Annette is a nurse, but we decided to do something for the community.
“I thought what can we do? And because I love food, I thought we would share our love for South African food with the community.”
Growing up in Durban, Johann said it was important for him to showcase the flavours and spices of his home region, while using locally sourced ingredients.
The couple may look back on Johann’s past to inspire their cooking, but it’s the future in the Bundaberg Region that has them most excited.
“Annette is the savvy one with business, I am the cook who makes everybody happy,” Johann said.
“There are a lot of South Africans around us here in Bundaberg, you’d be surprised.
“We find people here love the food we are making, and they come back for more.
“We started with sausage, where we get the meat from Biggenden Abattoir, and make everything fresh, our salad is from local farmers – it is important to support local.”
On the menu at the JAZ Authentic South African Food van are traditional meals, including bunny chow – a hollow bread loaf filled with curry, and vetkoek which Annette says is always a crowd pleaser.
“Vetkoek is savoury mince in a fried bun with toppings, all made here – even the pastry,” Annette said.
“I’m actually a nurse and I’m on long-service leave at the moment, but I watch Johann’s passion and it will be hard to go back.”
The JAZ Authentic South African Food van can be found at Oaks Beach, Burnett Heads 11am to 7pm.
For more information check out the Facebook page.
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