SA’S SLOW FOOD TREASURE

AFTER the recent visit by Carlo Petrini, founder of the global Slow Food Movement, there has been renewed interest in how this movement is relevant in South Africa. Support for local farmers, food gardens and sustainable farming are topics on many people’s lips. If you’re interested in any of these topics, then attending a Slow Food conference being held at the Soweto Theatre on September 3 will be helpful in finding out more.

This event comprises a food market which will be selling produce sourced from Soweto and Orange Farm plus vendors selling a selection of classic township street food.

The conference will host a number of speakers, such as dietitian Mpho Tshukudu, University of Johannesburg anthropologist Hilda Bbenkele, industrial designer Angus Campbell and the head of Social Development in Joburg, Wandile Zwane.

The most exciting activity at this event will be a competition held in conjunction with Slow Meat where nine teams of culinary students and a 10th team of Soweto gogos will cook a 300kg Nguni cow. Each team will get a portion of the cow, including offal and muscle cuts, and need to come up with a delicious dish.

Visitors can buy tickets to taste the dishes and vote for their favourite.

The event is being held at the Soweto Theatre, corner Bolani and Bolani roads, Jabulani, Soweto. It starts at 10am and finishes at 5pm.

Entrance costs R20, payable at the door. There is also secure parking available at R20.

Tickets for tasting the Nguni cow are limited to 400, so it’s best to purchase them in advance. They cost R295 each and are available through Webtickets at

For more information on the show call Caroline McCann on 082 675 1171.