Representatives from nine Mbombela NPOs gained hands-on culinary skills during a SPAR workshop at the Chefs Training & Innovation Academy on July 7.

Tantalising aromas filled the air as SPAR hosted its Home Cooked Happiness Workshop, a dedicated initiative designed to upskill and celebrate the resilient champions who feed the most vulnerable members of our local communities every single day.

The day was entirely about hands-on culinary empowerment, ensuring that the representatives of local non-profit organisations were left with fresh inspiration, enhanced kitchen techniques, and a renewed sense of pride in their vital work.

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Expert guidance for champions

The workshop was brought to life through the expert guidance of two culinary minds, Chef Kaylee de Villiers and Chef Siphesihle Vilakazi.

With patience, warmth, and infectious enthusiasm, the pair guided participants through a curated menu focused on maximising nutritional value, stretching bulk ingredients creatively and mastering presentation. From sharpening their kitchen skills to understanding the art of seasoning, the kitchen atmosphere was charged with shared knowledge and mutual respect.

“The energy in the kitchen today was unforgettable,” said Vilakazi. “These women are already heroes; we simply shared new techniques to make their daily cooking a bit easier, more efficient and even more joyful.”

Nine NPOs participated in the workshop. These organisations form the backbone of local social support, childcare and disability care in our region. Representatives swapped stories, shared kitchen tips and bonded over shared recipes.

SPAR extended its deepest gratitude to the dedicated teams from CMR Mpumalanga, Nokuthula Youth and Child Care Centre, Komanani Centre, Children in Distress, Mpumalanga Association for Persons with Disabilities, Arise Africa, Simunye Centre and Dasha Foundation.

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Extending into communities

“This workshop will directly translate into thousands of hearty, wholesome meals for those who need them most,” said Rose Minisi from Children in Distress. “The most heart-warming part is the experience – it is memorable for me to be recognised by SPAR, as I am passionate about cooking and also sharing the skills and knowledge I have learnt with other people in my community.”

An initiative of this scale is only possible with strong corporate backing. Alongside SPAR’s commitment to community development, the workshop received incredible support from household favourite brands like Imana and Lucky Star. Recognising that these community champions often work with tight budgets, both sponsors stepped up to ensure that no one went home empty-handed. Every participant was gifted with substantial, nutrient-dense hampers filled with tasty products to take back home.

The success of the SPAR Home Cooked Happiness Workshop highlights the impact of collaborative community work. By investing in the skills of community champions, the initiative creates a ripple effect of nutrition, care, and dignity across the Lowveld. Together, this ensures that happiness isn’t just home-cooked, it’s shared.

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