When Clover Mama Afrika decided to host an Indian cooking course for their Mamas, the team set out to find an appropriate cook to host the class, who was skilled in authentic, South African Indian recipes. What they found instead, was a group of passionate home cooks from Clover’s very own Human Resources Learning and Development Department, who taught from the heart, armed with family recipes.
While rooted in Indian heritage, the generations of adaptation to local ingredients, tastes and cultures, have created curries that are unmistakably South African. “Due to this cuisine being so well-loved, we identified the income-generating potential of traditional, South African Indian cooking to equip our Mamas with practical skills that can be applied both at home and within their community projects,” says Rika Haasbroek, Clover Manager: Corporate Social Investment.
“What began as a simple corridor conversation became a powerful example of what our programme is all about; the transfer of skills, knowledge and experience. It was a genuine moment of pride as our Clover staff instinctively stepped forward to share their expertise with the Mamas, demonstrating that some of the most meaningful learning happens through everyday connections. I want to thank Jow-Hara Omarjee and her team for taking the time to share their valuable expertise and delicious, prized family recipes with all our participants,” she adds.
And so, Clover Mama Afrika recently concluded its A Pinch of Spice Curry Course – a week-long culinary training programme which brough together 13 Clover Mamas from across South Africa. The course provided an engaging and immersive learning experience centred around the rich flavours, traditions and heritage of Indian cuisine. The programme offered far more than cooking lessons; it provided a platform for cultural exchange, storytelling and the sharing of treasured family recipes and traditions passed down through generations.
Over the course of the week, Mamas explored the fundamentals of traditional, South African Indian cooking, gaining an understanding of the history and significance of various spices, flavour combinations, and cooking techniques. The training covered a wide range of dishes, including meat and vegetarian curries, roti, puri, savoury snacks and traditional desserts.
At the end of the course, a tasting challenge resulted in Mama Rina Malan taking first place, Claudette Neveling from Mama Gail Koeberg’s centre, grabbing second place, and Asnathi Makamu, Mama Mirriam’s daughter, taking third.
“Following this course, our Mamas have expanded their recipe repertoire and have mastered authentic Indian cuisine, and are now better positioned to explore catering opportunities, community food initiatives and small business ventures. As with all Clover Mama Afrika training initiatives, the knowledge gained will be shared with others, extending the impact far beyond the original participants,” adds Haasbroek.
As the 13 participating Mamas return to their communities, they carry with them not only new culinary skills, but also the confidence to teach, inspire and create opportunities for others. The course stands as another example of how Clover Mama Afrika continues to invest in women who are making a lasting difference in the lives of those around them.
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