Chef Zola Nene partners with Ladles of Love for Mandela Day 2026 initiative

For Zola Nene, food has always been more than just a dish; it is an expression of care. This is why the renowned South African chef, author, and television presenter has partnered with Ladles of Love as part of the celebration of Mandela Day in 2026.

Hands-On-Heroes Campaign

The Hands-On-Heroes campaign calls on companies, schools, families, and communities to participate in Ladles of Love's main events for Mandela Day. These events aim to support the nutrition and education of 20,000 preschoolers in underserved areas.

Events and Dates

The events will take place at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Friday, July 17, 2026, and at the Nasrec Exhibition Centre in Johannesburg on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Personal Views on Food

This topic is very important to Zola. She recalls that food has been a part of her life since childhood, as her mother and late grandmother were wonderful cooks, and she grew up surrounded by family feasts. Even in primary school, she would take cookbooks from the library and experiment at home.

In high school, she baked cakes and cookies for friends' birthdays. It was only after starting university that she began to seriously consider cooking as a profession, realizing the joy of preparing food for people and feeding them. After publishing her first book, she saw how deeply stories related to food connect people. Sharing the dishes she knew as a child encouraged others to share their own family recipes and memories, making food special to her.

She emphasizes that a smell, thought, or taste can trigger a whole wave of memories. This early connection to food became the foundation of her career—first in professional kitchens, then through cookbooks, television, and the stories she tells about South African cuisine. For her, food has always meant sharing moments, connection, and culture.

The Importance of Shared Meals

Many warm family moments happened around the dinner table while they shared stories. Since both parents worked full-time, they always made sure the family could have dinner and chat together. She believes this was more than just eating; it was nourishment for the mind and soul. Zola is convinced that the best way to truly know someone is to share a meal with them. On Mandela Day, this connection turns into active action.

Volunteer Activities

As part of the Hands-On-Heroes campaign, volunteers will physically participate, dedicating their 67 minutes to creating, packing, cooking, or growing something useful. The items made at the events will be given to those in need, and ticket donations will help feed children.

Activity Zones at Events

Volunteers can participate in one of four activity zones. In the Make Zone, they will take part in the Sarmiethon sandwich-making challenge or pack nutritious kits for preschools. In the Create Zone, they will make posters, cards, and workbooks for kindergartens. In the Craft Zone, they will create educational aids such as play sacks, dolls, and vegetable trucks. And in the Grow Zone, they will build raised beds with vegetable and herb seeds to support urban farmers supplying kindergartens with fresh produce.

Corporate Participation in the Campaign

For corporate clients, the campaign offers a clear and well-organized way to participate in Mandela Day without having to develop an initiative from scratch. Ladles of Love has already prepared this platform. Businesses can book their teams for a 90-minute session, providing employees with a shared volunteer experience, knowing that their time and contributions go towards practical help for children and communities.

The Importance of Nutrition for Development

Zola notes that an event focused on nutrition and supporting children will always be close to her heart. She stresses that everyone knows the importance of food for brain function, so feeding a child is a vital step in advancing their education and ensuring the best future outcomes. She admires the work of the Ladles of Love team, noting that they have exponentially reached and exceeded their goals, which is why many children are thriving today.

She expresses immense honor and pride in the opportunity to make a small contribution as a 'hero in action,' helping to create valuable tools for enriching children's minds. The focus on preschoolers for Ladles of Love this year is intentional. Nutrition and early learning are closely linked: a hungry child cannot concentrate, participate fully, or develop.

As a chef and gourmet, she knows that when she is hungry, her productivity decreases. She believes a hungry child feels the same way. A proper meal not only provides necessary energy but also helps improve mood, increase concentration, and inspire. She considers it unreasonable to demand learning and excellence from a child if they are hungry; proper nutrition is essential for better academic focus.

Call to Action

Zola believes the Hands-On-Heroes campaign is important because it calls people to be physically present. She says that showing up and dedicating time is one of the simplest ways to actively care and support. Realizing that you personally participated in creating something that will impact the help given to another person brings immense satisfaction. She sees the gathering of people and camaraderie at Mandela Day events as proof that there are still good people in the world who care for each other and believe in ubuntu.

For those who are still hesitant about booking a spot for Mandela Day, Zola's message is simple: 'Do it! Don't hesitate! You are truly changing a child's life just by showing up. It may seem like a small gesture, but it matters; these children deserve our support. Come for them.' Tickets are available on the website www.LadlesofLove.org.za. Individual tickets cost R300, and R200 for students and pensioners. Group and corporate packages are also available, and Section 18A tax certificates and CSI declarations apply to all tickets and packages.