COOK-UP SPICES FUN-FILLED PROUDLY SA DAY

INITIATIVE: Event organised to emphasise buying local with Swiss food manufacturer during cooking event…

By   Priscilla Malinga

Ready, set and go were the order of the day at a cook-up initiative organised by Proudly South African and Nestlé in Johannesburg this week.

Timed for Tuesday’s elections, the initiative – hosted by Proudly South Africa, which invited a list of media and influencers to promote buying locally manufactured products – took place in a fun-filled environment at the Nestles offices.

As usual, the Happy “MaKhumalo” Ngidi, Proudly SA chief marketing officer, said Swiss multinational Nestlé South Africa was a friend of Proudly South Africa for a long time and had always opened their doors to ideas and possible partnerships.

“Today we just wanted people to let their hair down and show their cooking skills in the kitchen using strictly Proudly SA products by Nestle,” said Ngidi.

Swift was the drink of the day as everyone had one to keep the energy going to prepare their dish for the cook-up. Some of the South African products used at the event included spices from Africa Spices and a bit of bubbly to help remove the edge from the contestants made out of media personalities and Influencers.

Also offered on the day was a voucher from Mr Price Home for the winners which took a R1000 voucher to shop at any Mr Price Home.

Lesedi Mashale, head of public relations and events at Nestlé, said as a company they combined good food and quality life, and that it was easy for them to welcome the initiative by Proudly SA to host the initiative.

“It is a great opportunity to show people that we have a great quality of products which are produced and manufactured locally,” said Mashale.

MaKhumalo Ngidi stressed the importance of growing the local economy by buying local and creating jobs to ensure the Rand stayed in the country and jobs, in turn, created.

Chef for the day, Kabelo Segone, who is also a managing director of HTA training and development, took everyone through lessons of making a Chicken Supreme, amongst other dishes. He took everyone through the cooking skills in the kitchen.

 Segone mentioned that Africa Day (May 25) dish was an idea to promote African cuisine in a different way. The chicken was stuffed with garlic and skin removed to avoid fat to promote healthy eating.