Celebrated annually, Mandela Day is held on 18th July in honour of former president Nelson Mandela. On this day, South Africans are encouraged to assist their local communities as a way to honour his legacy of peace and justice.

Eat Out has created a list of organisations that are doing their bit to help the South African restaurant industry as it struggles to revive from the harsh effects of the pandemic. In addition, we have included a few ways that you can do your part to help the industry and local communities.

#PayMyBills

Established by the Quinton Van Der Burgh Foundation, #PayMyBills is a dedicated restaurant relief initiative that aims to assist South African restaurants by providing much-needed funding. Many restaurants have taken a hard knock, with some having to cut their staff numbers or even shutting their doors.

To apply for assistance, applicants must be registered restaurant owners with staff that have been affected with little to no income. Application forms can be completed online and are currently open.

RebuildSA – Volunteer Group

The recent looting and protests have devastated parts of South Africa with many restaurants, cafes and businesses destroyed.

To restore the devastation, ReBuildSA, a volunteer group on Facebook has created a platform where locals can find out more information about how to donate and assist individuals and businesses that have been impacted.

 

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A post shared by Stir Coffee House (@stir_coffee_house)

Businesses can complete a Google Doc form indicating their needs here.

Chefs with Compassion ##67000litres challenge 

Founded by Chefs with Compassion, a volunteer-based food rescue organisation, #67000litres challenge is an initiative that aims to prepare 67 000 litres of soup for Mandela Day.

Home cooks across South Africa are encouraged to join the initiative and to donate their cooked soup to a beneficiary in their area.

According to reports, the recent looting in Durban and Johannesburg alongside the COVID-19 numbers has resulted in many established kitchens being unable to meet their goals. With this in mind, the initiative is calling on South Africans to assist and prepare the soup.

Chefs with Compassion has indicated that it estimates that 58 256 litres of soup will be cooked by Mandela Day but results in a shortfall of 8 744 litres and is encouraging locals to participate.

To register and take part in the event visit this website.

JackBlacks taproom initiative 

Cape Town-based craft brewery Jack Black Brewing Co. has launched an initiative to raise funds for its staff and support non-profit organisation Ladles of Love.

Locals can purchase a R250 taproom voucher and help support the businesses staff and for each voucher purchased, the buyer will go into a draw to win beer for a year.

If you pre-order beer online, Jack Black Brewing Co will donate a week’s worth of meals to feed someone in need to Ladles of Love for every case of beer ordered.

Den Anker

Cape Town-based restaurant Den Anker is hosting a bread collection drive in collaboration with Rhulani Mabasa Children’s Foundation.

The restaurant is calling on monetary donations to help hungry children around the country.

 

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Future Females #RebuildABusiness

Future Females has launched a Business Relief Fund to help entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country that have been impacted by the recent looting and violence. 

The funds collected will be distributed to businesses in need and used towards cleaning and rebuilding, replenishing stock, repurchasing critical supplies and more. 

Members of the public are encouraged to donate monetary funds towards the cause. Details of how to donate can be found in the post below. 

 

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A post shared by Future Females (@futurefemales)

Please feel free to DM us on Instagram @eatoutguide and share any other initiatives that are happening so we may spread the word to support the industry.