South African Cooks Unite to Create 67,000 Liters of Soup on Mandela Day

• South African culinary community created 67,000 liters of soup for Mandela Day.
• International Nelson Mandela Day encourages 67 minutes of volunteering.
• Chefs cooked and donated quality meals for those in need.
• Food insecurity affects over 20 million South Africans every day.
• Efforts this year included rescuing excess food from waste.

A Spirited Effort to Commemorate Mandela’s Legacy

In a remarkable display of community spirit and dedication, numerous South African chefs, community cooks, caterers, and culinary students came together in Johannesburg on Friday to create an astounding 67,000 liters of soup. This monumental effort was made in honor of Nelson Mandela Day, which falls on July 18 each year, in remembrance of the late South Africa’s first Black president. Officially recognized by the United Nations since 2009, International Nelson Mandela Day encourages individuals to volunteer for 67 minutes of their time, symbolizing Mandela’s 67 years of public service. This year, the initiative included cooks across the nation preparing soup in their kitchens, contributing towards the ambitious target.

Creating Quality Soup for Those in Need

At the HTA School of Culinary Arts situated in Johannesburg, cooks were bustling in the kitchen, chopping fresh vegetables, tossing in legumes, and infusing a colorful variety of spices into their soups. They spent the entire day simmering their hearty broths, a task that continued well into the evening. Executive chef and chairman of the humanitarian NGO Chefs with Compassion, James Khoza, remarked on the significance of the 67,000 liters goal, referring to it as their innovative method to echo Mandela’s message of providing quality nourishment to those in need. “I prepared a lentil soup infused with vegetables and small pieces of chicken. It’s not just your average soup but a special creation that speaks to my passion for quality and taste. We aim to ensure the food we provide is worthy of those who receive it,” he asserted.

Addressing Food Insecurity Amidst Abundance

Mandela Day is synonymous with acts of kindness in South Africa, where communities come together to tidy up public areas, assist at schools or hospitals, and engage in humanitarian work, all while making donations. For Chefs with Compassion, the soup-making drive is part of a broader mission to combat hunger and food wastage, as Khoza expressed. This year marks their sixth consecutive initiative of rescuing surplus food from farmers and shops to prevent it from ending up as waste. Additionally, Tyra Nyakudya, an 18-year-old culinary student, joined the effort, contributing generously by preparing vegetables and keeping a watchful eye on the pots. Although she was just a child when Mandela passed away in 2013, Nyakudya felt connected to his legacy, praising the statesman’s commitment to uplifting communities. As the National Food and Nutrition Security Survey indicates, a staggering 63.5% of households in South Africa face food insecurity, highlighting the critical need for initiatives such as this.

The Urgent Call for Ongoing Community Engagement

In South Africa, despite being one of the continent’s largest food producers, food insecurity poses a significant challenge. Over 20 million people go hungry daily, all while approximately 10.3 million tons of food is wasted every year. This reality is worsened by a myriad of factors including poverty, unemployment, rising food costs, climate change, and social inequality. Hanneke Van Linge, director of Nosh Food Rescue, echoed the urgency of the situation by emphasizing the importance of continuous community engagement beyond just Mandela Day. “There is much beautiful energy surrounding Mandela Day; however, we urge individuals to remain involved in community upliftment throughout the year, not just on this one day,” she remarked.

The collective effort of chefs and volunteers to create 67,000 liters of soup on Mandela Day reflects a profound commitment to alleviating hunger in South Africa. Through initiatives like those spearheaded by Chefs with Compassion, communities come together to rescue surplus food while honoring the legacy of Nelson Mandela. With alarming levels of food insecurity affecting millions, this work is both vital and ongoing, calling for sustained involvement in the war against hunger and food waste.