The inaugural FOOD XX Symposium and Awards in partnership with Eat Out took place on the 12th of February 2019. The Awards celebrate womxn in the food and drinks industry in South Africa in 15 categories going beyond the kitchen to include recognition for farmers, food stylists and fresh voices in food media and with an important focus on giving back, sustainability and future food.
The winner of the Food Icon award was the inimitable Dorah Sitole for her contribution to the food industry in the country. An African food expert, Dorah’s career spans 40 years as cookbook author, food stylist, travel writer, and food editor of True Love magazine for over two decades.
Judge chef Mokgadi Itsweng said, “She is the first black food writer, mentor and mom to women in food all over Africa. She is the first person to introduce food as a career option to most of us, before her there was nothing.”
THE LIST OF WINNERS
Alcohol: Lucy Beard, distiller Hope on Hopkins
Krone Entrepreneur: Hilda Adams, fisherwoman, activist and founder of Weskus Mandjie
Food Educator: Jackie Cameron of Jackie Cameron School of Food & Wine
Woolworths Giving Back: Margot Janse of Isabelo
Food Styling: Caro De Waal
In the Kitchen: Karen Dudley of The Kitchen
Burger King Fresh Voices: Ishay Govender-Ypma
Bakers: Nikki Albertyn of Sweet LionHeart
Front of house: Gosia Zielinska, Sommelier at The Pot Luck Club
Spier Sustainability: Roushanna Gray of Veld and Sea
Secret ingredient: Brigitte Lilley of Jason Bakery
Woolworths Farming: Mokgadi Mabela, bee keeper and founder of Native Nosi
Heritage: Mpho Tshukudu and Anna Trapido
Woolworths Future Food: Zayaan Khan
Food Icon: Dorah Sitole
ALSO READ: 10 Female-owned food businesses we’re supporting this year