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'Is this real?': Culinary influencer Sinoyolo Sifo's reaction when named among Africa's 100 most impactful people in travel and tourism 2025
Award-winning content creator Sinoyolo Sifo has made headlines once again by being named one of Africa's 100 most impactful people in travel and tourism for 2025.
Image: Supplied
A beacon of inspiration in the South African food scene, award-winning content creator Sinoyolo Sifo has made headlines once again by being named one of Africa's 100 most impactful people in travel and tourism for 2025.
This esteemed recognition comes from Ranks Africa, a platform dedicated to identifying and celebrating the influential figures and brands that shape the continent's narratives.
The announcement heralds not only Sifo's achievements but also the potential of African talent on a global stage.
In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, Ranks Africa highlighted, 'In recognition of Sinoyolo Sifo's remarkable contributions to African travel and tourism, we proudly celebrate him as one of Africa's 100 Most Impactful People in Travel & Tourism 2025. His passion and innovation continue to shape powerful narratives, inspire exploration, and drive growth across the continent.'
This prestigious accolade is part of the Africa Travel & Tourism Awards 2025, which honours those contributing to the continent's travel legacy.
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Upon receiving the news, Sifo candidly shared his shock and elation in an interview with Independent Media Lifestyle.
'I was shocked because I didn't believe it, but I do believe in myself and my craft. This was big in terms of coming from an African tourism point of view. It shocked me in a good way though, I was also happy about it. I remember showing my wife, running to her like 'Is this real?''
For Sifo, this recognition is more than a personal achievement; it signifies a beacon of hope for South Africans and aspiring chefs across the continent.
'It encourages me to push hard in terms of what I'm doing because what I'm doing sometimes is not easy - a husband who cooks in the kitchen encouraging other husbands to get going is not an easy task,' he reflected. 'It just took my motivation and encouraged me to work even harder.'
Not only does Sifo feel the weight of responsibility for setting an example, but he believes this accolade also highlights SA's rich potential in the global culinary landscape.
'I think I'm one of the few South Africans who got to show the world that we have talent, and we are people that are pushing boundaries.'
With an eye on the future, Sifo expressed hope that this achievement will motivate young individuals to pursue their dreams.
Sifo's journey began in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, where his culinary passion was sparked by his mother's kitchen and father's butcheries.
It was motivated by his supportive wife, Nondumiso, that he started sharing his culinary adventures on Instagram in 2020.
His easy-to-follow, flavourful recipes soon won the hearts of many, building a loyal following eager to embrace his mantra of dismantling gender stereotypes in the kitchen.
As the 'cooking husband', Sifo is on a mission to get more men involved in cooking.
'The cooking husband is a movement that just encourages us guys to get active in the kitchen, help our partners out, eliminate the abuse, and build a love language,' he articulated during the acceptance of last year's Content Creator of the Year award at the SDSTV Content Creator Awards.
With the recent accolade propelling him into the spotlight, Sifo is optimistic about the doors it will open. He's already received countless messages from followers expressing how his online content has inspired their partners to discover the joys of cooking.
'I was excited, and it just made me more motivated,' Sifo concluded.
