An Observatory cook and food stylist was recently honoured for her contribution to the food and hospitality industry.
Khanya Mzongwana was one of 19 women recognised by the Food XX Awards, held on Tuesday August 30 at Makers Landing, at the V&A Waterfront.
The annual awards, launched by Studio H in 2019, spotlight the achievements of women in all spheres of the food and hospitality industry, including farming, food styling, education, culinary heritage and more.
Ms Mzongwana, a cookbook author and deputy food editor of Woolworths Taste Magazine, was named the winner of the “food styling” category. She says it was an honour to be recognised by the food community she deeply admired.
Her love for food, she says, goes back to her childhood, when she opted to stay and help in the kitchen instead of play outside.
This love grew over the years with Ms Mzongwana working part-time in a restaurant kitchen while in school, and moving from kitchen to kitchen. She did a course, but dropped out after learning more while on the job. Her break came while she was doing pop-up restaurants in Pretoria.
“I was recognised by an editor from Taste magazine and commissioned to do freelance work and eventually become deputy editor.”
Ms Mzongwana says it was through cooking she discovered her passion for food styling. She wanted to inspire people to look at food differently. Speaking about her job, she says she comes up with recipes that she makes and styles for the magazine.
“I also post my food on Instagram and want my page to be one of inspiration to show the beauty of food.”
Hannerie Visser, director and founder of Studio H, says they were blown away by the volume of nominations received.
“It really reinforced our belief that women are the backbone of the food and hospitality industry. And now, more than ever, we need to take the time to recognise and honour their work.”
The winners received the most votes from a pool of over 500 candidates. Nominations were open to the public during August, with the judging done by an independent panel of the previous year’s winners.
This year’s panel included, among others, Mokgadi Itsweng, Bathandwa Nkambule, Loubie Rusch, Mmabatho Molefe, Dr Tracy Nelwamondo and Carla Schulze.
“With the Food XX Awards we aim to share their accomplishments with the world, and, at the same time, create a space where women from all walks of life can feel inspired and supported,” says Ms Visser.
Ms Mzongwana says the award is a profound moment in her career, and one she does not take lightly.
“I felt flattered and it reaffirmed that my work matters.”
