East London - Thanks to a group of generous chefs, one Eastern Cape school won't have to worry about feeding their pupils for the next five years.
The chefs, part of World Chefs Tour Against Hunger, visited Nkweza Primary School yesterday, bringing with them not only a generous donation to the school's feeding programme, but also a load of fruit and vegetables.
"It's encouraging to see important people from overseas helping us. This school caters for local farm workers' children, so not many people know about the school, let alone donate to it," said school principal Thenjiwe Tyali.
She said even though Nkweza is a government school, it's not equipped to teach its 212 pupils, some who come from as far away as Ducats and Nompumelelo Township.
"The chefs' donation means that there is one less thing we have to worry about paying for," said Tyali.
The 250 chefs from 44 countries are in South Africa to take part in a series of events to raise funds to feed the less fortunate.
Italian chef Salvatore Silvestrino of the Emirates Team said the tour is a defining moment in his career, as he is a great believer in giving back to the community.
"I love bringing a smile to a child's face. I am fortunate to be able to take part in this tour. There are millions of people who wish they can do something for the less fortunate but don't get the chance to," said Silvestrino.
Hemingways marketing manager Neville Austin said the chefs' visit is a great opportunity for the mall to give back to the community.
"The World Chef's Tour against Hunger's visit will impact positively on the less fortunate. Proceeds raised during the World Chefs Tour against Hunger visit will be donated to assist a number of local charities," said Austin.
The mall is currently building classrooms at Nkweza primary and has been contributing to their feeding scheme for two years.
The World Chefs Tour against Hunger team will be at the Hemingways Food and Wine Festival from August 26 to 28. Austin said festival visitors can expect world-famous dishes and a guest appearance by celebrities, including Isidingo's Hlubi Mboya, and Ashley Taylor.
