The Food XX Awards 2022, hosted at Makers Landing at the V&A Waterfront on 30 August celebrated and honoured 19 women in the food and hospitality industry this year, for their outstanding contributions to the industry. 

The event started, launched by Studio H in 2019 to highlight women in the industry, started with a tea ceremony led by Michele Mistry of Indikaap Aryuveda Vega, and an introductory speech by Chef Mmbatho Molefe, of Emazulwini Restaurant who was also one of the judges. She spoke about celebrating and empowering black women in the industry and sustainability in cooking. The speech was followed by a light breakfast, provided by Sweet Lionheart, Wild Yeast and Studio H, and then the awards. 

Awards were received by those who received the most votes from a pool of over 500 candidates. Nominations opened up and were voted on in August. The judging was done by a panel of the event’s previous winners including Chef Mmabatho Molefe, Dr Tracy Nelwamondo and Carla Schulze, among others. 

At the awards, Hannerie Visser, founder of Studio H spoke of the expansion of the awards, which have always been within South Africa. That will now be subject to change as the event would also like to include the whole of Africa from 2023. 

Awards were given to a diverse group of 19 talented women. Some notable winners included, but are certainly not limited to: 

• Khanya Mzongwana, for the Food Stylist category, our MC for the morning and a cookbook author and deputy food editor for the Woolworths Taste Magazine. 
• Zandile Finxa, for the Secret Ingredient category for being an unsung pioneer behind the scenes and a recipe developer known as the “Queen of Sorghum.” 
• Nabo Binase for the Newcomer category, which celebrated a successful business launched within the last 12 months. 

These women, along with many other women, continue to spark growth and development for women in a mostly male-dominated industry. We wish them the best of luck on their journeys ahead!