Alumnus Cariema Isaacs is an effervescent and articulate dynamo.
Not only is she a proud wife and mom and full-time project manager for Shell in the Middle East, but the author of a very special cookbook – Cooking for my Father in My Cape Malay Kitchen.
Isaacs recently visited CPUT and gave a hugely successful motivational talk to CPUT Marketing students.
She spoke of her life struggles, her time at CPUT, her beloved family and her motivations in writing her beautifully-illustrated cookbook, Cooking for my Father in My Cape Malay Kitchen.
Two years ago, shortly after her father’s death, she sat down to document family recipes. But the writing process drew forth another story too – that of the wonderful relationship she had with her dad, Moegamad Isaacs.
So this is no ordinary cookbook.
Although the recipes are deliciously moreish and enticing, the anecdotes about her family and how cooking have been an essential part of their lives for generations are equally compelling.
Isaacs believes firmly in giving back and thus her motivational talk to the students was not just a one-off. She’s chosen four enthusiastic students who attended her talk to be the recipients of her years of experience in the marketing and branding world.
She’ll be Skyping with each of them every quarter, gently guiding and mentoring the students as they face the challenges of academia and giving them insight into real-life marketing scenarios.
Any alumni who’d like to share their wisdom and experience with our students are welcome to contact our Alumni Office to set up a time and date for a motivational talk.
Cooking for my Father in My Cape Malay Kitchen is available to purchase at Cape Town’s Book Lounge and retails at R295.
By Jan Weintrob
