Kylie Wishneski, Empathic Global Leadership for Social Change: South Africa Summer 2024
Food is most definitely a crucial part of South African culture. Similarly to the US, South Africa is a cultural melting pot. Much of the influence is split by the Xhosa people in the west and the Zulu people in the east. Centuries of colonialism has also imparted a Dutch influence, with the white Afrikaans people being one of the minority groups present today. Additionally, slavery during the colonial era brought many people from Indonesia to South Africa. Their descendants bring an Indian and Southeast Asian influence to the country’s food. One night in Cape Town, we did a cooking class with a Cape Malay woman. She ran the classes out of her home and taught us how to make samosas, daltjies, and roti, while also preparing a chicken curry as the main dish of the evening. The only rule was that everyone had to help in some way. They were kind and welcoming hosts, and taught us how to make one of the most delicious meals I’ve eaten.
Further from the sea, Johannesburg had more culinary influence from some of the neighboring African countries. A staple was pap, a sticky porridge made from corn. In many of the meals we had, pap was served as the grain and vessel for the meat and vegetables of the dish. After being mostly vegetarian since 8th grade, I initially had my qualms about eating relatively meat heavy dishes. However, I was determined to try as many kinds of South African food as I could as it may be the only opportunity I have. Another especially common food was chakalaka, a spicy veggie and bean dish served as a side with many meals. I never once had bad food during the trip, and was glad I chose to be adventurous (by my standards). In both cities, I noticed less of an emphasis on chain restaurants—though they were still there—but they were outnumbered by smaller, locally owned restaurants. With much of the food we had, you could feel the love and care of a home cooked meal. Though I have not continued to eat meat while back in the US (somewhat because I know it just wouldn’t be as good), the food of South Africa was as warm and welcoming as its people, and will be something I remember for years to come.
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