For the fourth consecutive year, Chefs with Compassion, a non-profit organization, has successfully hosted its largest annual cook-off in honor of Nelson Mandela Day, producing over 1,250 liters of nutritious soup and feeding more than 5,000 South Africans.
The event is part #67000litres for Mandela Challenge, which encourages participants to use leftover and rescued food to cook nourishing soup for those in need. This year, 15 Marriott International properties across brands including The Westin, Marriott Hotels, AC Hotels by Marriott, and various Protea Hotels by Marriott, enthusiastically joined the initiative.
Each hotel rescued surplus food and prepared as much soup as possible within 67 minutes on Mandela Day, delivering it to local non-profit organizations.
“Emerging from challenging times, it’s vital to support our communities, especially those struggling to secure even one meal a day,” says Johann Nortje, Chairperson of the Southern Africa Business Council. “By joining forces with Chefs with Compassion on Mandela Day, we address food insecurity and promote sustainability. This initiative not only feeds the hungry but also highlights the collective power of unity and action. Serving our world is a core value, and through this collaboration, we’re able to make a meaningful impact.”
Coovashan Pillay, Food & Beverage Manager at Protea Hotel Johannesburg Wanderers and a representative of Chefs with Compassion, says: “With 10.3 million tons of food wasted annually and 20 million people going to sleep hungry every night, the #67000litres for Mandela Challenge unites chefs, individuals, corporates, and communities to address food insecurity and reduce food waste. We are thrilled to collaborate once again for this meaningful initiative.”
The collective efforts of the participating hotels and volunteers highlighted the true spirit of unity and compassion. The cook-off provided a vital resource to those in need and inspired others to act in their own communities. With each bowl of soup served, the legacy of Nelson Mandela’s vision for a more equitable and caring society is kept alive. As we look to the future, the ongoing commitment to these values remains a beacon of hope and a call to continue making a difference.