Prior to completing her chef qualification at Prue Leith Culinary Institute, Lindo Mbalati was a supervisor for Global Compliance and Reporting (GCR) at Ernst & Young. Originally from Richards Bay, she completed her Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management Sciences and Honours in Taxation from the University of Pretoria. She is a member of the South African Institute of Tax (SAIT).

She cut her teeth in financial accounting at Netcare where she was responsible for compliance and tax. Lindo has a keen interest in development and has applied her skills as a lecturer in taxation at Varsity College, Sandton. She always wanted to be a chef but was advised to pursue a “proper” career, like becoming a doctor, lawyer, or accountant.

As a qualified chef, Lindo has an interesting view of food culture. She feels that one culture cannot claim something as its own.

Today, Lindo serves as director at DNG Energy Ltd and is also spearheading new projects and developing a new homeware range.