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Conserving South Africa’s food resources
South African food conservation
San people are the original food conservationists
Did you know?
Enaleni Farm, near Camperdown in KwaZulu-Natal woorks to conserve Izimvu sheep evolved from the Nguni sheep that were kept by Iron Age people in north Africa, and which migrated to the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal 1800-2000 years ago.
South African food conservation for travellers is about learning to make informed food choices that will help to conserve our culinary heritage culture and enrich your travels in our country.
South Africa has been blessed with an abundance of fertile soil. Our plant biodiversity is greater than any other country on earth. Our rivers and oceans bring forth seafood plenty. And yet, many South African edible flora and fauna are being harvested at unsustainable rates.
Indigenous plant biodiversity is threatened by industrial farming methods and great, ancient African food cultures are under attack from the global food chains and the homogenisation of eating patterns that such restaurants inevitably bring with them.
The good news is that there is a range of delicious ways to conserve South Africa’s food heritage for visitors and locals alike.
Whether you support the consumption of sustainable fish through the use of Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) list when dining out or investigate indigenous edible plant knowledge with the guided tours offered by the !Khwa ttu's San cultural group you are part of a process that promotes the conservation of South Africa’s food resources and local food culture.
Every time you pick a classic Cape Malay restaurant in Cape Town over an international chain eatery, sip a glass of local wine or beer, eat a plate of boerekos, or share a braai (barbeque) you’re not only experiencing the authentic tastes of South Africa but you’re helping to promote and sustain our local food culture.
So be an epicurean adventurer when you visit South Africa. Eat in a township shebeen to experience kasi cuisine, support locally made and regional products, and select restaurants that showcase our diverse food heritage. The choices you make do make a difference!
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI)
Email: sassi@wwf.org.za
Visit SASSI on Facebook
SASSI FishMS
SMS: +27 (0)79 499 8795
SMS is charged at standard South African cellular rates.
Slow Food
There are several Slow Food conviviums in South Africa, working to preserve the local food culture and biodiversity that’s closest and most relevant to their location and community.
Slow Food Cape Town
Email: info@slowfoodcapetown.co.za
Slow Food Mother City
Email: mail@slowfoodmothercity.co.za
Slow Food Stellenbosch (Stellenbosch Slow Market)
Email: sfgm@slowmarket.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)72 416 4890
Slow Food Johannesburg
Email to slowfoodjoburg@gmail.com
Slow Food Pretoria
Email: liezel@lkaconsult.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)84 606 2666
Slow Food Durban-Pietermaritzburg (Imifino)
Email: enalenifarm@gmail.com
Tel: +27 (0)82 872 2049
Slow Food Karoo
Email: pkoopman@justice.gov.za
Tel: +27 (0)84 800 7098
Slow Food Garden Route
Email: john.huxter@barnies.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)82 455 6240
Slow Food Magalies-Valley
Email: earth@wickedfood.co.za
Tours to do
South Africa offers a wealth of food tours when you can cook and eat like a local. From classes in township cuisine to hands-on Cape Malay and chic culinary studios, you can experience our culinary diversity in full.
What will it cost
Conscious food conservation can range from enjoying fresh amagwinya by the roadside for just a few cents to splashing out on a 3-course heritage menu at a fine dining restaurant, which will cost around R300 p/head excluding wine.
Where to stay
Accommodation options offering indigenous ingredients and cooking methods include the Hantam Huis and Rooipan Guest House in the Northern Cape; township guesthouses will serve traditional food, and the Cellars Hohenhort in Cape Town offers Cape Malay cuisine deluxe.