Gqeberha is about to get a whole lot more flavourful.
On the weekend of 28–29 June, the Baywest Mall will transform into a lively hub of heritage, innovation, and mouth-watering cuisine, as it plays host to the much-anticipated Love Afrika Gqeberha Food and Culture Show 2025. Brought to life by the Love Afrika Campaign, this proudly Eastern Cape event celebrates the full culinary value chain of South Africa—“From Soil to Table and Beyond.”
At its heart, the festival is about more than just food. It’s a dynamic, multi-sensory celebration of Her Food, Her People, Her Story—a rallying call to honour indigenous culinary traditions while looking ahead to an inclusive and prosperous food future.
From Mandela’s Kitchen to Baywest Mall
Renowned Eastern Cape chef Andile Somdaka—who once cooked for President Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki—will headline the two-day festival with live food demos and tastings that fuse the rich flavours of the Eastern Cape with a touch of West African flair.
The festival follows hot on the heels of the SMME Readiness Masterclass, held earlier this month on 13 June at Feather Market Hall. Led by Chef Somdaka himself and supported by SALGA, the sold-out masterclass gave emerging foodpreneurs the practical skills and inspiration needed to thrive in the competitive food and hospitality sectors.
A Full-Flavour Festival Experience
Expect a melting pot of South African flavours and experiences. From seafood braais and shisanyama to Mzansi street food, every corner of the outdoor area will be buzzing with authentic aromas and sizzling sounds. Cultural performances, live music, traditional dress parades, and local dance groups will add rhythm and soul to the festivities.
The show’s broader purpose is clear: to reignite cultural pride, support local food innovation, and foster unity through shared culinary experiences.
Entry Fees & Access
Festival doors open at 10 am daily, closing at 11 pm. Entry starts at just R30, with tickets available via Quicket or at the gate.
Families, food lovers, cultural explorers and curious taste buds are all welcome.
A Festival with Purpose
The Love Afrika Gqeberha Food and Culture Show is supported by a coalition of partners dedicated to economic and social transformation. These include SALGA, Baywest Mall, the Nelson Mandela Museum, ECPTA, ECDC, FoodBev SETA, the Nelson Mandela Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
This is not just another food event. It’s a movement—a celebration of identity, resilience, and culinary excellence rooted in African soil.
Stay Connected
For updates and highlights, follow @LoveAfrikaEC on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Join the conversation with hashtags like #LoveAfrikaEC #HerFood #HerPeople #HerStory #TasteOfAfrica and #SocialCohesionThroughFood.
Vendor queries and partnership inquiries can be directed to:
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