Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
PRINCE Sivalo Mahlangu, the charismatic host of the popular YouTube channel, “Magriza Made Me Cook”, is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA)’s inaugural continental African Chefs Gathering and policy convening focused on African food systems.
The event which began on Wednesday and ends today (Friday), is organised under the banner of, “My Food Is African,” spotlighting traditional African cuisine as a vital catalyst for cultural revival, public health, and ecological sustainability.
The gathering aims to stress the significance of achieving food sovereignty in Africa by enhancing the knowledge and appreciation of indigenous foods. With a diverse assembly of renowned chefs, policymakers, and stakeholders from across the continent, the event embodies the theme, “My Food is African: Chefs and Changemakers Shaping Food Futures.”
Mahlangu, who has been documenting traditional Zimbabwean cuisines since 2020, has embraced a cultural ambassadorial role, promoting local cuisine to neighbouring countries. His participation in this gathering underscores his commitment to elevating African culinary traditions on a global platform.
During the opening remarks, Hana Abebe, Chief of Staff and Special Advisor to Ethiopia’s Planning and Development Minister, highlighted the threats facing African food systems, including erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and land degradation.
She emphasised the urgent need for a transformation that aligns food systems with climate policy actions, advocating for investments in climate-smart agriculture and empowering smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth.
“Challenges present opportunities to transform our food systems into resilience, sustainability, and equity,” Abebe stated.
AFSA General Coordinator Million Belay further highlighted the necessity of preserving indigenous foods and enacting agro-ecology policies that promote agricultural diversification. He noted that the knowledge shared during this gathering could significantly contribute to Zimbabwe’s pursuit of self-sustenance and food security.
As industrialised diets and fast foods increasingly threaten Africa’s culinary heritage, the African Chefs Gathering serves as a critical platform for reclaiming the continent’s rich culinary traditions. The lessons learned in Addis Ababa will undoubtedly resonate across borders, offering hope and direction in the quest for a sustainable and secure food future. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
