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Women in food: Lethabo Kgadima

Name: Lamb Chops with Coriander Pesto Dressing
Ingredients: 8 Lamb chops; 1 Tbsp Paprika; 1 Tbsp steak and chops spice; 1 Tbsp garlic and herb spice; 4 Tbsp olive oil; 10g finely chopped mint; 10g finely chopped rosemary; Salt and pepper to taste; ***Sauce; 2 Tbsp plain yogurt; 1 Tbsp coriander pesto; 1 Tbsp lemon juice

August 4, 2023 (Last Updated: August 8, 2023)

“Every year, in August, our country marks Women’s Month, where we pay tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956 in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women,” the South African government’s website stated last year in celebration of Women’s Month.

This year marks the 67th Anniversary since 20 000 women stood up against unequal power relations, creating a conducive environment for following generations of women to take control of their lives.

“In SA we are not at the point of equal opportunities in the cheffing industry,” Chef Candice Adams shared with Times Live columnist Hilary Biller in the article “Three inspiring chefs changing the role of SA women in cheffing” last year. Chef Candice serves on the board of directors at the South African Chefs Association (SA Chefs) and mainly focuses on equality and female empowerment in the cheffing industry.

“Yes, we have evolved and more female chefs are being celebrated, like the chef/owner of Emazulwini restaurant, Mmabatho Molefe, who was recently named a hospitality pioneer on The World’s 50 Best 50 Next list. It’s exciting to think we’ve come this far, though not far enough … we are getting there,” she added. “It is a slow transformation as women face many prejudices in hospitality kitchens; it’s a tough environment for female chefs.”

While the road to equal opportunities for women in the culinary industry is long, it remains important to celebrate on how far women have already come. By looking at the past and analysing what needs to be done in the present, we can transform the future. To quote world-renowned physicist Albert Einstein: “The future is an unknown, but a somewhat predictable unknown. To look to the future we must first look back upon the past. That is where the seeds of the future were planted.”

At Food&Home, we are celebrating Women’s Month by featuring some of our favourite and inspiring female chefs, foodie influencers, and entrepreneurs who help build toward a more promising “unpredictable unknown”. Starting with make up artist and food content creator Lethabo Kgadima!

Lethabo Kgadima

Passionate about exploring the vibrant world of food, Lethabo Kgadima is a rising foodie with an insatiable appetite for culinary adventures. Her love for colourful and flavourful dishes, particularly midweek quick meals, sparked her journey into the heart of the kitchen.

Inspired by her innate curiosity, Lethabo began experimenting with various cooking styles and techniques to infuse her meals with delightful tastes and aesthetics. Her passion for trying new ingredients led her to Google unknown food items right in the grocery store, and she would instantly buy them to experiment at home.

Encouraged by her family and friends, Lethabo’s flair for hosting gatherings and effortlessly impactful recipes paved the way for her to launch a social media account. Her platform became a haven for those seeking inspiration for flavourful, easy-to-make dishes that leave a lasting impression.

Lethabo’s culinary journey traces back to the time spent with her mother in the kitchen. “My food journey started in my mother’s kitchen and trying out recipes I saw on my favorite cooking shows. Over the years I have enjoyed introducing myself to different palates which has led me to share my passion on social media platforms,” says Lethabo.

Although their moments together were cut short by her mother’s passing when she was 16, those precious times instilled in her invaluable knowledge of cooking techniques, heat control, and food preparation. Reflecting on these memories, she cherishes the connection shared with her mother, symbolising the essence of women’s month—a passing of knowledge from one woman to another.

Her love for cooking shows, especially those offering quick and easy recipes, significantly influenced her culinary style. “I always enjoyed cooking shows that had titles like ‘five ingredients meal’ or ‘meals under 30 minutes’ and to this day those are the shows that still influence my way of cooking.

To women aspiring to share their culinary passions on social platforms, Lethabo advises them to take that first step, stay consistent and be authentic.

“I know everyone says it but just start! Stay consistent and true to yourself. Yes, you may draw inspiration from others but be you, don’t try to imitate. There’s always room for one more,” Lethabo adds.

Lethabo’s journey of discovering diverse palates and cuisines profoundly impacted her approach to food. Growing up in a small South African village, she had limited exposure to different culinary traditions. However, her move to the city for a career opened her eyes to a world of flavours. Enthralled by the variety, she started introducing new ingredients and flavours into her meals, showcasing how one can elevate everyday cooking with simple yet exotic elements.

“I’m passionate about all things food-related and want to inspire others with delicious recipes and helpful cooking tips. Whether it’s easy everyday meals or fancy dishes for special occasions.

I like to mix traditional recipes with new ideas to create exciting and memorable dishes. Food is not just about eating—it’s a way to connect with others and celebrate our cultures.

My content is for everyone, whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out. I love discovering the amazing world of flavours, textures, and colours that our kitchens have to offer.”

Today, Lethabo’s cooking style remains rooted in accessible, easy-to-make dishes bursting with color and vegetables. Her passion for culinary exploration continues to drive her to create meals that leave a lasting impression on her followers and inspire them to embrace a world of diverse tastes.

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