Thilivhali Mash Mugwena is a Cape Town-based chef, food content creator, and founder of Meals with Mash, a culinary brand that celebrates South Africa’s rich food heritage through modern, soulful cooking. Born and raised in Limpopo, Venda, Mash’s journey into the kitchen began from a deeply personal place. What started as helping out at home when her mother fell ill grew into a lifelong love for cooking, one that inspired her to leave her corporate career in finance and follow her true calling: food.Today, Mash is known for her warm, down-to-earth approach to food and storytelling. Her dishes blend nostalgia and innovation, from traditional South African favourites to contemporary comfort meals, each plate reflecting her belief that food connects us to memory, identity, and one another.

As a qualified chef with UK City & Guilds accreditation, Mash’s work extends beyond the kitchen. She develops recipes, curates events, collaborates with leading local brands, and produces digital content that invites her community to cook, share, and celebrate together. Through Meals with Mash and her sister brand Seasoned by Mash, she continues to build a vibrant culinary ecosystem that brings people together, from her celebrated annual Heritage Feast to her upcoming apron collection. Her work bridges tradition and modern living, reminding people that food is more than a meal, it’s a connection to who we are and where we come from. For Mash, food is more than nourishment; it’s a language of love, culture, and connection.