Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival Press Release
A dedicated training programme will support participating chefs and farmers, fostering collaboration and innovation. The cook-off also serves a deeper purpose: restoring the dignity and prestige of forgotten foods, and encouraging food lovers to value the power of fresh, locally sourced produce.
Lead demonstrations by Onezwa Mbola, Masipheke ( Claycooking experience), Roushana Gray (Veld and sea) and Andile Dyalane of Imiso Ceramics.
Onezwa Mbola, Emandulo
A rural food advocate and culinary storyteller, Onezwa brings a grassroots perspective on local food economies and how investment in women and communities leads to food security rooted in culture.
Roushana Gray, Veld and Sea
A wild foods educator and forager, Roushana shares her expertise on sustainable harvesting, ocean and veld foraging, and seasonal cooking. Her work bridges science and tradition, teaching how to eat with the rhythms of nature.
Andile Dyalvane, Imiso Ceramics
One of South Africa’s foremost ceramic artists, Andile brings a spiritual and cultural lens to working with earth and clay. He speaks to the ancestral act of making — and how clay vessels, like food, hold memory, meaning, and ritual.
Zukisani Mrwetyana, Masipheke Cuisine
A culinary culturalist and founder of Masipheke Cuisine, Zukisani Mrwetyana is devoted to reviving Indigenous African foodways through traditional techniques, seasonal ingredients, and the communal spirit of cooking. His work celebrates food as ceremony — a source of memory, healing, and cultural pride.
Saskia Lesch, KWV
Saskia Lesch is an acclaimed sommelier, who will guide guests through a curated exploration of KWV wines in the KWV Wine Saloon. From bold reds to crisp whites and luxurious blends, each IS paired with beautifully crafted bites that highlight aroma, texture, and terroir.
Tickets
If you haven’t got your tickets now, better hurry while stocks last. Get yours now on the Luju website, https://lujufestival.com/#ticket. Eswatini residents can purchase Luju tickets via the Unayo Marketplace on WhatsApp. Simply WhatsApp ‘Hi’ to 7805 6364 (Unayo Marketplace), select Unayo Ticketing and follow the prompts.
… To keep up with the Luju Buzz, purchase tickets or find out more about the festival, please visit www.lujufestival.com, and follow the Luju Festival social media
