What do you get when you combine two Gauteng-based chefs and a charged course of seafood discovery? An epic #Soweto2Sodwana adventure!
This year started off with a huge splash for SASSI! Explore4Knowledge and WWF-SASSI teamed up to put together a life changing expedition for two young and dynamic Gauteng based chefs. The remarkable journey was aptly pegged as ‘’Soweto2Sodwana journey of chefs’’. The call for such a journey stems from the fact that Gauteng is the second largest seafood consumer in South Africa, yet the sustainable seafood movement that SASSI advocates for, remains a conundrum in this land locked province.
Freedom Khanyile and Terror Lekopa, both gastronomy masters in their own right were invited to be part of this journey. The journey began with a traversing seven hour drive to Kosi Bay in a convoy of three Nissan 4×4’s. Both chefs donned a snorkel and mask for the first time and submerged their heads below the ocean waters exploring old artisanal fishing methods of Kosi Bay and discovering the vast ecosystems of Sodwana Bay. Throughout the journey these chefs were immersed into all things sustainable, and the importance of sustainable seafood and making responsible choices when choosing what to buy and serve. Freedom and Terror were up for all kinds of challenges: a sustainable seafood braai-off with WWF-SASSI braai ambassador Chris Kastern and meeting some of SASSI’s Trailblazer winners, Chefs Jackie Cameron, Constantijn Hahndiek and Graham Nielson.
The chefs learnt about the destructive fishing methods of one of South Africa’s favourite seafood-prawns-by visiting the mangroves. The last leg of the journey tied up all the loose ends with a guided tour at uShaka Marine World, where chefs learnt about turtles, bycatch and plastic pollution with more snorkelling and shark cage diving!
The culmination of the journey inspired these chefs to make catalytic and greater commitments to being ocean champions. In turning the tide in Gauteng, with champions like chefs Freedom and Terror, WWF-SASSI has the ingredients for a winning recipe for change!