Six thousand vulnerable South Africans were served warm meals in a spirited Mandela Day cook-off to fight against hunger.
This was all thanks to the combined efforts of Marriott International and the non-profit organisation Chefs with Compassion.
FIGHTING HUNGER TOGETHER
Together, they prepared 1,500 litres of nourishing soup as part of the national #67000litres Challenge held on 18 July, according to Spice4Life.
Mandela Day honours the legacy of Nelson Mandela by encouraging South Africans to dedicate 67 minutes of service to their communities, one minute for each year Mandela served the nation.
This year, Marriott’s South African team, comprised of volunteers from 14 hotels including The Westin, Marriott Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, and Protea Hotels by Marriott, participated enthusiastically.
Each team was tasked with cooking as much soup as possible within a 67-minute window. They used donated, surplus, or rescued ingredients that would otherwise have gone to waste.
CHEFS WITH COMPASSION
Chefs with Compassion distributed the prepared meals to community kitchens and non-profit organisations nationwide.
This provided immediate relief through warm, nutritious food.
Johann Nortje, Chairperson of Marriott International’s Southern Africa Business Council, emphasised the deeper meaning behind the initiative.
“Hospitality is about service every day, but Mandela Day challenges us to take that service beyond our doors into the communities we serve.
FIGHTING HUNGER AND REDUCING FOOD WASTE
Working with Chefs with Compassion allows us to use our skills and resources to fight hunger, reduce waste, and honour Madiba’s legacy.”
South Africa faces a stark reality of over 20 million people hungry, while more than 10 million tonnes of food is wasted every year.
The #67000litres Challenge, now in its sixth year, tackles both issues by transforming surplus food into nutritious meals.
HELPING COMMUNITIES FIGHT HUNGER
Since 2020, the campaign has cooked over 450,000 litres of soup, providing more than 1.8 million servings across the country.
Chef Coovashan Pillay, Founding Director of Chefs with Compassion and Food & Beverage Manager at Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Wanderers, highlighted the impact.
“Feeding the hungry is one of the most powerful acts of service. With Marriott’s support, we’re able to reach more communities and make a bigger impact in the fight against hunger.”
CHEFS WITH COMPASSION
Chefs with Compassion is a volunteer-driven organisation that links chefs, hospitality teams, and community groups.
It aims to rescue edible food and serve those most in need. The campaign also raises awareness about food waste and the importance of sustainability in the South African food industry.
This year’s cook-off significantly contributed to the broader national effort, with teams preparing over 142,000 litres of soup nationwide.
This was enough to feed more than 600,000 people.
Donations included more than five tonnes of chicken and eggs from the poultry industry, fresh vegetables, bread, and other essentials. This was all supplied by various partners who stand in solidarity against hunger.
UNITY AND COMPASSION
The initiative shows how unity and compassion among South Africans can transform food waste into valuable meals, honouring Mandela’s spirit and helping those who need it most.
Mandela Day continues to be a powerful reminder that every South African can make a difference, whether through 67 minutes or more, to build a hunger-free nation.
HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO FIGHTING HUNGER IN YOUR COMMUNITY?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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