Chefs Prepare 67,000 Liters of Soup to Combat Hunger on Mandela Day

• Dozens of chefs and culinary students made 67,000 liters of soup in Johannesburg.
• The event celebrates Nelson Mandela’s legacy and encourages community service.
• Chefs with Compassion focuses on quality food for those in need.
• Over 20 million South Africans are currently food insecure.
• Hunger relief initiatives rescue food destined for waste and repurpose it.

Chefs Unite to Make Soup for Mandela Day

Chefs and culinary students across South Africa teamed up on Friday to craft an impressive 67,000 liters of soup, an initiative aimed at tackling hunger on Nelson Mandela Day. The event unfolded in Johannesburg where a mixture of community cooks, caterers, and students gathered to prepare these large amounts of hearty soup. It’s part of a broader international movement recognized by the United Nations, which began in 2009, encouraging folks to dedicate 67 minutes to charitable service—symbolizing Mandela’s 67 years of public work.

Focus on Quality and Compassion in Cooking

Among the many involved, James Khoza, executive chef and head of the non-profit Chefs with Compassion, led the culinary efforts at HTA School of Culinary Arts. He explained how this year’s soup does more than just feed the hungry; it shows dignity in food service. “I did a lentil soup with vegetables and a bit of chicken,” Khoza noted, emphasizing that he prioritized quality and flavor. “People on the streets deserve the best, not just whatever’s available,” he added, stressing that cooks should respect those they serve.

Addressing Food Insecurity and Waste

This year marks the sixth time that Chefs with Compassion has been at the forefront of this effort, rescuing food that would have otherwise been wasted. They focus on large-scale soup production while simultaneously addressing food waste, which is a huge issue in South Africa—despite its status as a major food producer, millions still go hungry daily. The disturbing statistics from the latest National Food and Nutrition Security Survey reveal that over 20 million people face food insecurity while approximately 10.3 million tons of food are wasted each year—all amplified by poverty, joblessness, and rising food costs.

Inspiring Future Generations for Continued Service

Tyra Nyakudya, a dedicated 18-year-old culinary student, worked tirelessly, helping to add her school’s contribution of another 300 liters to the collective goal. Young as she was at Mandela’s passing in 2013, Tyra articulated how his compassion had a lasting impact on her motivations today, stating, “He did everything in his power to give back to the community, which is why we’re doing this today.” Food rescues like this by Nosh Food Rescue aim to harness a spirit of giving beyond Mandela Day, showcasing a call to action for every day of the year, which underscores the need for ongoing community engagement.

The efforts of cooks and chefs across South Africa to prepare 67,000 liters of soup exemplify a commitment to combating hunger while honoring Nelson Mandela’s legacy. With food insecurity statistics revealing grave concerns, initiatives like these highlight the urgent need to address both food waste and hunger in communities. In a broader sense, the movement aims to inspire continued volunteerism and charitable work long after Mandela Day has passed.