Access to enough healthy food is the right of all South Africans. In reality, however, 54% of South Africans are at risk of going hunger.
As the custodian of Mandela Day, the Nelson Mandela Foundation is dedicated to addressing issues of food insecurity and, among others, supports the work of Food & Trees for Africa, a social and environmental enterprise that, since 1990, aims to improve lives and landscapes towards healthy people on a healthier planet.
The Great South African Cookbook has presented a unique and exciting opportunity for the Nelson Mandela Foundation to support the work of Food & Trees for Africa. The book has 67 contributors, 150 recipes and 372 pages with personal stories from each contributor, alongside stunning photography shot entirely on location around South Africa.
Culinary legends and renowned chefs including Luke Dale-Roberts, Ina Paarman, Dorah Sitole, Pete Goffe-Wood and Siphokazi Mdlankomo star along with local food heroes, from salt harvesters in Limpopo to strawberry producers in KwaZulu-Natal.
For chef and foodie Justine Drake, it’s all about love: “The secret to preparing, cooking and serving delicious food is keep it fresh and simple but, more importantly, to do it with love,” she says. Siba Mtongana agrees: “Food is all about family and friends, and putting your heart into preparing a meal is the same as presenting them with a wonderful gift.”
Nelson Mandela Foundation chief executive officer Sello Hatang says: “The Great South African Cookbook is a showcase of what we have, rather than what we don’t have, as a country. For both me and for the Nelson Mandela Foundation, it means we’ll be able to touch and change lives with food; it’s in everyone’s hands to help make a difference.”
Inspired by Madiba’s example, the cookbook’s principal sponsor, Tiger Brands, says it wanted to give South Africa’s future chefs an opportunity to showcase their talent. “No initiative that pays tribute to Madiba would be quite complete without weaving in his passion for our youth,” states Bridgitte Backman, Tiger Brands group executive for corporate affairs and sustainability.
Published by Quivertree Publications, The Great South African Cookbook was launched on Madiba’s birthday, 18 July 2016. All proceeds will go towards bolstering efforts around food security.
