The South African Tourism team invited Aussie travel industry professionals, trade media and partners for “a cooking session with soul and purpose” on Mandela Day, partnering with food rescue charity OzHarvest to deliver delicious South African culinary favourites to those doing it tough.
Nelson Mandela International Day is an annual global day celebrated each year on 18 July to honour the South African leader and revolutionary activist.
South African Tourism hosted the Sydney event with special guest South African-Australian OzHarvest Founder and CEO Ronni Kahn joining industry insiders in the kitchen alongside South African-born celeb chef Warren Mendes and OzHarvest head chef Mark Hamilton to whip up local cuisine.
The travel industry cooks created the national dish, bobotie with minced meat and egg; bunny chow (curry served in a hollowed bread loaf); pap (maize porridge); frikkadel (meatballs) and naan bread, just for starters.
The team learnt zero-waste cooking skills and amazing tips and tricks in the process while preparing delicious and nutritious meals that were delivered directly to support local people in need and save food from ending up in landfill.
The ‘Cooking for a Cause’ event was an enjoyable and meaningful way to mark Mandela Day in Australia and a taste of regional cuisine to transport everyone to South Africa through rich, aromatic flavours.
Ronni Kahn said: “I’m so excited to be able to share the OzHarvest model in my country of birth, South Africa.”
“Nelson Mandela continues to be a huge inspiration to me and it is so special to celebrate his legacy today with the team from South African Tourism by providing food to those less fortunate than us. This is completely in alignment with the values that Madiba believed in.”
For more info, head to southafrica.net