Category Archives: Ambassadors

Dan Nicholl is an Irish-born Zimbabwean who arrived in South Africa 12 years ago, and has been successfully avoiding immigration ever since. Currently Contributing Editor at iafrica.com, Dan runs the Skududu Media company, and the outrageous “Hazard” golf clothing label, which looks like a mix of Vilebrequin swimming trunks and pyjamas. Dan pops up on television and radio from time to time, and works extensively as an MC and speaker. All of that comes a distant second, however, to Dan’s lifelong ambition to convince me that the gas braai has a place in modern society. Vested of a gas Weber, a vast wine cellar full of papsak, and a flat screen TV, the essential elements of a “good night round the grill”, Dan says he is “already preparing a celebratory braai for UCT’s victory over Jan Braai’s Stellenbosch in the 2011 Varsity Cup Final.” Until then, he’s orchestrating celebrity braais in South Africa and beyond, adding frivolous contributions to the website, and continuing to spread the gospel of gas.

Dan Nicholl, uncharacteristically not braaing with gas.

Why does Dan support Braai4Heritage?

“It’s such a simple, fundamentally South African way of spending time together. Fire, meat, couple of beers, and strangers become mates in an instant. And that’s crucial in South Africa, where all too often we let our differences form barriers, instead of celebrating them as part of a rich culture in the greatest country on earth. That, and it gives me an awfully good reason to maintain a strict diet of steak and red wine.”

Citrum Khumalo is a South African personality chef, and has featured prominently in the media since he first began making a name for himself in 1996.  He is the Chef/Owner of Johannesburg catering company Asidle Gourmet Catering. Accomplishments include winning the prestigious Nestle Golden Chefs Hat in 2001, and being selected as a member of the Youth Team South Africa which competed in the World Youth Championships in Holland in 2001. He was also elected to represent Africa in a world competition held in Iceland in 2006. He has his own TV shows “Chef in My kitchen”, “Whip the Chef”  and has done cameos on other TV shows including that of Ainsley Harriot. He recently developed new Simba Flavours and is presently seen on TV advertising the Flavours. Unfortunately Klipdrift & Coke wasn’t one of those flavours.

He initiated the Culinary Arts Association Of South Africa (CAASA) and currently the Vice President of this association, which aims to promote South Africa and African Cuisine and also to mentor and guide south Africans that are passionate about food.

Why does Citrum Khumalo  support Braai4Heritage?

His passion of promoting South African and African cuisine is growing day by day and there wasn’t a better endorsement than Braai4Heritage which is a true South African style of cooking and it has been like this for many years. He believes it is time that we take this internationally and ensure that it is fully recognised by all as a true South African initiative. “Braai is also a very healthy way of cooking and as a chef it is one of the best methods to bring out great flavours in the food.”

Gareth Cliff is a popular radio DJ and TV personality. The highlight of his radio career was once having Jan Braai live in his studio for one hour on his 5fm morning show. Funnily enough, the highlight of his TV career was interviewing that same me on his TV show “The Gareth Cliff Show”.

Why does Gareth Cliff supportBraai4Heritage?

“It’s a completely South African exercise that everyone in SA can relate to. I like red meat and I like good company. There don’t need to be better reasons than that. ”

Who is Jo-Ann Strauss?

Born and raised in Cape Town, this Stellenbosch University graduate holds a B.Comm Law degree and is not only famous for going to that University at the same time as me. Her glamorous globe-trotting accomplishments also include representing South Africa at the Miss World Pageant in Puerto Rico as well as modelling alongside supermodels Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Elle McPherson and Helena Christensen in Barcelona.

Why does Jo-Ann Strauss support Braai4Heritage?

“Ever since I was little, I remember the summer days when my dad would load the car with wood and the “rooster”, mom would pack the salads and blankets, us buying coals along the way and getting ready to do what most South Africans love doing! A lekker braai! The smell of the tjops, the conversation around the fire and the laughs that we’d share just makes it the most sociable way to enjoy a meal. And now, finally as a nation we can celebrate the day officially as it’s a HUGE part of our heritage. What a great initiative and I’m proud to be part of it!”

Who is Neels van Jaarsveld?

Actor, director, writer, wannabee musician, passionate football lover and a huge fan of positive outlooks. He was born in Kuilsrivier and completed his degree at the University of Stellenbosch. During this time, we were in the same residence (Wilgenhof). He recently made a travel show in our beautiful country called Stadig oor die Klippe. Find below Neels starring alongside Francois van Coke and Nina Liebenberg in a video we made a few years ago about a typical South African braai.

Why does Neels van Jaarsveld support Braai4Heritage?

“I support Braai4Heritage because I love a good lambtjop; not bad on Elvis, but even better on a braai. ‘If all else fails, braai!’ and remember it’s never too late to start a braai.(sung on the beat of that ‘too late to apologise’ song).”

Who is Pete Goffe-Wood?

Peter has been a chef for 23 years. Cooking outdoors has always been a passion, he once set fire to a split pole fence while trying to get a fire going in a minute garden in London. He also lived for years in Hout Bay with no stove surviving only on his Weber. The high point of his braaing career was coming 12th in the World BBQ Championship in 2001 and then 2nd place in the SA Braai championships in 2002 & 2003. Personally I would not really be proud of having taken part in a barbeque, but to each his own.

Why does Pete Goffe-Wood support Braai4Heritage?

“We have a diverse cultural base in this country particularly here in Cape Town. Cooking over open flames is the one thing that is common to all – gathering for food & friendship around the fire is where we all began in Africa and it is only fitting that Heritage & Braai Day are one and the same.”

Who is Riaan Cruywagen?

“While my public image is that of a serious TV news presenter, all collared and tied, I am a fun-loving family man who enjoys spending time with my relatives and friends. I am particularly happy when my only grandchild, a boy of almost 3 years, is around to share in the fun. Although I’ve been to many exotic places all over the world, nothing beats an African sunset in our own South African bushveld with the aroma of chops, wors and sosaties sizzling on some leadwood coals and the cry of a fish-eagle in the background.”

Why does Riaan Cruywagen support Braai4Heritage?

“To braai is the common denominator of all South Africans. It offers us the unique opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, and to befriend neighbours and strangers regardless of their political convictions. A braai knows no cultural barriers and brings people together in a cordial, relaxed atmosphere. Because I know of no other country with a custom so pleasant and heart-warming as a traditional South African braai, Braai Day is an ideal occasion to make friends of strangers while celebrating our national heritage.”

Who is Toast Coetzer?

He works for WEG and Go! travel magazines in Cape Town. Which is down if you read this in Joburg. It’s up if you read it from Antarctica. He is also in a band called The Buckfever Underground, infact, he is the lead-singer of the band. However, he does not really sing, he rhythmically talks. So in a way he is the lead-rhythmic-talker of the band. Me and Toast once climbed Devils Peak, Table Mountain and Lions head in one day. We braaied on top of each. Snoek for breakfast on Devils Peak, Chicken for lunch on Table mountain, and Lamb for dinner on Lions head. It was a gas braai, so quite safe. Nonetheless, flames on Table Mountain are illegal so we don’t really talk about that day in public.

Why does Toast Coetzer support Braai4Heritage?

“It goes without saying that I like to braai and that I know and believe that a day out, having a braai, is some of the best times you can spend with friends and family. I live in a fascist block of flats where you’re not allowed to braai, (this is true, he really does) so when I can, I cruise out to Oudekraal, just ten minutes away, but really a world away. On one side there’s the sea, on the other the Twelve Apostles. And then I put something on the braai and the world smells good.”

Who is David Higgs?

David has done it all. From working in fine dining restaurants to product development, catering for the airways, catering for retail chains, event catering, teaching young chefs and eventually settling back into the finer dining side of the business he has experienced all sides of the industry in South Africa. Each one giving him a different view and teaching him something new about costings, staff and ordering. When not braaing, David currently cooks at Rust en Vrede.

Why does David Higgs support Braai4Heritage?

“My earliest cooking memory funnily enough was braaing a galjoen I caught myself at one of the fishing spots close to Henties Bay. I also remember the then mayor of Walvis Bay wanting a bite and me refusing! I was about 5 then and have started sharing since! Braaing is very much part of my repertoire since I do not own an oven believe it or not. Sundays, weather permitting the fire will be roaoring and the boys talking motorbikes and things that excite us and the girls drinking far to much wine and not making sense. Braaing is very much part of our culture and im proud to be associated with this celebration of South African cooking.”

Who is Francois Ferreira?

He is known for his contemporary and quirky approach to the country’s rich and diverse food culture. From beetroot & biltong mielierys risotto to innovative cheese sushi, Francois contributes greatly to the appreciation of South African cuisine with near-evangelical enthusiasm. He co-hosts the popular Huiskok/Glanskok culinary slot on RSG with Errieda du Toit. He is seen regularly on magazine programmes such as Fiesta, Pasella, Roer etc. He is also a regular at popular food shows around the country. He has not invited me for a braai yet, but is apparently on the verge of doing so.

Why does Francois Ferreira support Braai4Heritage?

“Braai is one of the South African traditions that define us as a nation – being around a fire brings people of all races and creeds together. That, after all, is what we want for our beautiful country.?

Who is Ina Paarman?

Ina Paarman, a Home Economist, with years of teaching experience and an impressive record in food journalism (Mondi Award, Galliova Award, many Cookbooks and TV Programmes) Twenty years ago she started making a small range of Seasonings and Dressings at home. The business took a dramatic turn when the Paarman’s son, Graham, joined in 1990. He aggressively grew the business to become the established South African brand it is today. Ina plays a vital role in all the recipe development for their range. She will always be a teacher at heart and uses their website to showcase her cooking class videos and tested recipes with 30,000 subscribers. She taught me how to easily braai chicken pieces, and thats why I like her.

Why does Ina Paarman support Braai4Heritage?

She believes in the philosophy that the discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of mankind than the discovery of a new star. “When South Africans are gathered around a braai fire, we relax, we share treasured techniques, we solve the world’s problems. We talk sport, we laugh and we enjoy the beautiful gifts of sunshine, fresh air and open space around us. Warm hospitality and shared friendship come naturally to us. Our men take fierce pride in their culinary skills and knowledge of meat. They ‘wow’ the women with their prize offerings. I can only say, viva the braai, may the tradition continue for many generations to come!”

Who is Jenny Morris?

Jenny Morris, also known as ‘The Giggling Gourmet’ is one of SA’s most-loved food personalities. Personally, I like her, and love her food. She is an author, magazine writer, radio and TV presenter, celebrity chef, teacher, caterer and culinary tour guide, accredited international judge and examiner, a food and other related products producer and endorser. She has had an ongoing love affair with food since she was a child. It’s a love affair in the true sense of the word, one that employs all the senses. Jenny’s formula for success is to “entertain informatively and inform entertainingly,” something she does with flair, as I have personally seen at her cooking school. Visit her website for more on Jenny.

Why does Jenny Morris support Braai4Heritage?

“I am supporting National Braai Day because I think food brings people together, and when you get a few people around a fire we all become one!!!”

Who is Justine Drake?

She is the editor of food magazine “Fresh Living”, a food writer, eater, mother, tv presenter, wanna-be farmer, sauvignon blanc drinker and a patriotic South African girl. We have never met face to face so I will write a longer and better description of her once this happens.

Why does Justine Drake support Braai4Heritage?

“There is nothing better than sitting around a fire eating, drinking and making merry and if more of us spent our time celebrating our heritage in this friendly, peace-loving way there might not be quite so much murder and mayhem on the streets. Viva the braai!”

Who is Luke Dale-Roberts?

British born Luke Dale-Roberts trained at Baur Au Lac Hotel in Zurich, Switzerland– at the time recognised as one of the top five hotels in the world. (Is it really just a coincidence that it went down when he left?)
Luke was appointed as executive chef of La Colombe in November 2006 and has elevated the dining experience, winning the 2008 Prudential Eat Out Chef of the Year and Restaurant of the Year award, being voted one of the top 50 restaurants in the world by the San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards 2009 and, most recently, achieving the highest three star rating in the 2009 issue of the acclaimed Rossouw’s Restaurants guide.

Why does Luke Dale-Roberts support Braai4Heritage?

“I am excited to be a part of this initiative as it is a great way to bring South Africans of different ethnic background together to celebrate their common heritage. Braaing is a deep-rooted South African tradition and for me it’s more than just throwing meat onto a fire – it’s about spending time with family and friends and a great way to relax.”

Who is Martine Schaffer?

Martine is the Managing Director of Homecoming Revolution. She lived in London for a very long time. She describes herself as ecstatic about living in SA and the opportunities it offers and is a eternal optimist about South Africa. Whilst she is not fond of SA bashers; she loves the culture, the people, the ‘can do’ attitude, and the vibrancy that exists in our country.

Why does Martine Schaffer support Braai4Heritage?

“Celebrating one of the great mainstays of South African life wherever we are in the world is so important to our South African identity. Let’s use this opportunity to celebrate being South African and as we stand around the braai, share something good that has happened in South Africa recently. Our heritage and culture is uniquely South African and the braai is a huge part of this.”

Who is Nettie Pikeur?

Nettie Pikeur is the pseudonym of the food writer Madeleine Roux, a journalist for 40 years, and a food writer since 1989 when writing for Max du Preez, the founder of Vrye Weekblad. She has been writing subversive food copy in Afrikaans and English ever since. She lives and work for herself in the town Montague in the Klein Karoo, “die Here se eie wêreld” as she calls it.

Why does Nettie Pikeur support Braai4Heritage?

“As a passionate believer in our heritage, I ask as always: What is heritage except food? To plant, grow, reap, cook and eat food is the greatest gift our Creator has given us. He gave us fire, so we cook. Braai is more than steak and chops. Making a fire gives us pleasure. To feed your loved ones from a home fire is to love all humanity. The last twig threaded with bread and a bit of boerewors, dipped in pepper and the salt of His earth makes you call out: Inshallah, dankie Vader, thank you Lord, Nkosi, Todah”