On 18 July 2024, the Sandton Chefs Circle (SCC) gathered at HTA School of Culinary Art for a special event marking Mandela Day and supporting the Chefs with Compassion (CWC) initiative. The event, hosted by Chef Sharnè Govender and featuring meals prepared by HTA First-Year Students, highlighted the culinary community’s commitment to making a difference through food.

In lieu of traditional donations of Toys, Educational Books and items of Clothing, participating chefs were encouraged to bring small baskets of vegetables and produce as contributions towards the #67 000L drive, symbolizing the 67 minutes of charitable service encouraged on Mandela Day.

“We were thrilled to see the enthusiasm and support from the SCC members,” said Chef Coo Pillay, Co Founder, Director and National Project Manager of CWC.

The lunch, held at HTA School of Culinary Art located in Ferndale, Randburg, provided an opportunity for SCC members to network, share ideas, and contribute towards the broader community effort championed by Chefs with Compassion.

Following the lunch, HTA School of Culinary Art hosted the Chefs with Compassion team along with special guests and media for a cocktail ceremony in the late afternoon. The event served as the official announcement ceremony for the total number of litres of soup prepared nationwide as part of their ongoing efforts. A total of 106895L of soup was prepared and served to 427 580 people countrywide.

About Sandton Chefs Circle: The Sandton Chefs Circle (SCC) is a community of culinary professionals dedicated to excellence in the culinary arts and community service. Their motto is “A comradery and fellowship of Chefs connecting for a cause”.

About Chefs with Compassion: Chefs with Compassion is a non-profit organization mobilizing chefs and the hospitality industry to tackle food insecurity through the preparation of surplus food into balanced nutritious meals. Their initiatives aim to address hunger, reduce food waste, and uplift communities across South Africa.