An annual programme called Food Dialogues is captivating the city with its thought-provoking talks and events centred around the local food system.
This unique initiative brings together a diverse group of people who play a crucial role in shaping our food landscape – from food growers to academics, activists to writers, nutritionists to policymakers and anyone passionate about sustainable approaches to food.
With a refreshing focus on intimate discussions concerning the food we eat and the future of our nourishment, Food Dialogues offers an unparalleled opportunity for engagement.
The Food Dialogues programme embraces the belief that fostering a healthier, more resilient and just food system is essential for our collective well-being.
By challenging conventional perspectives and delving into the complexities of our food system, this initiative sparks fresh ideas and encourages open-mindedness, even when confronted with dissenting opinions.
As Professor Julian May, Director of the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security, notes, ‘Food Dialogues can contribute towards us thinking about new ways of doing things, and learning, even if we’re learning from people that we don’t agree with.’
One of the highlights of Food Dialogues 2023 is the exploration of the polycrisis facing our food system. As we emerge from a global pandemic and grapple with issues like loadshedding, potential water scarcity, the effects of climate change and the possibility of natural system shocks, it becomes imperative to fortify our food systems against these challenges.
Food Dialogues provides a platform for deep reflection and constructive dialogue, enabling participants to consider innovative approaches to enhance the resilience and sustainability of our food supply.
Moreover, Food Dialogues extends beyond the confines of conventional discussions. This year, the programme features a captivating culinary experience that emphasises the stories behind our food choices, rather than focusing solely on the techniques involved.
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By engaging with chefs and uncovering the ‘why’ and ‘where’ of our food, participants gain a deeper understanding of the cultural, social and environmental dimensions that shape our eating habits.
In line with its commitment to community involvement, Food Dialogues has chosen to conclude its programme with a Mandela Day event on 18 July. Check out the full list of their 2023 events here.
Following the successful community participation initiative developed in partnership with Philippi Village in 2022, this year’s event serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit of building food system capacity. By empowering local communities and promoting inclusivity, Food Dialogues seeks to inspire positive change on a grassroots level.
Notably, Food Dialogues 2023 introduces a groundbreaking addition to its programme – the Pan African Online Conference. By leveraging the power of digital platforms, this event facilitates connections not only within Africa but also on a global scale.
The expansion of Food Dialogues to other urban centres across the continent reinforces the programme’s vision of creating a Pan African network that addresses the critical issues surrounding our food systems.
Through the online conference, diverse perspectives, knowledge and experiences converge, fostering meaningful change and transcending geographical boundaries.
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To further enrich the Food Dialogues experience, the programme presents an art exhibition in collaboration with 16 on Lerotholi Gallery.
Curated by Mpilo Ngcukana, co-founder of 16 on Lerotholi, this exhibition showcases works by esteemed artists such as Mongezi Gum, Lady Skollie, Ignatius Mekong, Philemon Hlungwani and the late Velaphi Mzimba.
The exhibition, running from 4 July to 18 July, invites visitors to explore the intersection of art and food, creating a captivating dialogue through visual expressions. Book tickets for the exhibit’s opening here.
Food Dialogues 2023 offers an extraordinary platform for diverse voices to converge, exchange ideas,and envision a more sustainable and equitable food system.
By actively involving stakeholders from all walks of life, including grassroots activists, government officials, professors and business people, the programme recognises that transformative change necessitates a holistic understanding of our food landscape.
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Jane Battersby, Associate Professor at the African Centre for Cities, UCT, emphasises, ‘The Food Dialogues provided a space to engage deeply in the complexity of the Cape Town food system. They refused to have a single story.’
‘They refused to amplify a single set of voices. They provide the starting point, and not the end point, for many sets of complex, difficult, and messy conversations about food.’
It is through such conversations that we can reshape our food system, ensuring its sustainability, resilience and inclusivity for generations to come.
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Picture: Tim Mossholder / Unsplash