From Kruger’s Kitchen to Madiba’s Table: Exclusive Dining Collaboration Honours Nelson Mandela’s Legacy

To mark Mandela Day and celebrate two significant milestones in South Africa’s history, Sanctuary Mandela, Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge and acclaimed Chef Wandile Mabaso have joined forces to present an exclusive culinary experience titled From Kruger’s Kitchen to Madiba’s Table: An Iconic Food Journey.

The collaboration comes during a landmark year in which Nelson Mandela would have celebrated his 108th birthday, while Kruger National Park marks its centenary.

Taking place over just two evenings on 17 and 18 July, the experience brings together the culinary heritage of Sanctuary Mandela – Madiba’s former Houghton home – with the flavours of the Kruger National Park and the contemporary African cuisine of Chef Wandile Mabaso.

Designed as an intimate six-course dinner with wine pairing, the menu explores the connection between South Africa’s landscapes, indigenous ingredients and Mandela’s personal appreciation for food. Each course reflects the unique perspective of one of the three collaborators, creating a journey from the bushveld to the table where world leaders were once welcomed by Madiba himself.

Three celebrated chefs, one shared vision

Chef Wandile Mabaso, widely regarded as one of South Africa’s leading contemporary African chefs, leads the collaboration alongside Chef Mordecai Brauns of Sanctuary Mandela’s Insights Restaurant and Chef Vusi Mbatha, Executive Chef of the Kruger Station and Kruger Shalati precinct.

Mabaso, who trained in Paris under legendary chef Alain Ducasse, has earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including Chef of the Year at the Luxe Restaurant Awards, and has prepared meals for international leaders during events such as the BRICS Summit.

Brauns brings an intimate understanding of Sanctuary Mandela’s culinary traditions, having worked in the property’s kitchen since 2021. Under his leadership, Insights Restaurant has become known for preserving Madiba’s culinary legacy through its signature Dine Like Madiba experience.

Mbatha contributes his distinctive “Kruger to Fork” philosophy, sourcing much of his produce within a 30-kilometre radius of the lodge through local farmers, an on-site garden and indigenous ingredients such as morogo, imifino and amasi.

More than a dining experience

Beyond the food, the collaboration also celebrates one of Mandela’s most enduring beliefs—that education has the power to transform lives.

Running alongside the event is a dedicated skills development initiative that will provide mentorship, practical training and learning opportunities for aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals, helping expose emerging talent to world-class culinary practice.

The dinners also form part of the Motsamayi Chef Collaboration Series, with guests receiving an exclusive first look at the next chapter of the initiative.

Event details

Guests will arrive from 18:00 for a welcome drink and guided heritage tour of Sanctuary Mandela before enjoying the six-course dinner and wine pairing.

The experience will be presented on: