South African Vegan News

We are delighted to introduce Lizané Badenhorst of Potchefstroom as our new Regional Manager for the North West Province.

“I grew up in a normal meat-eating Afrikaans family and, ever since I could remember, it bothered me. Becoming a vegan all started while creating quotes for a golf day. It grew simultaneously into the conviction I now have whilst working with the SPCA. The impact that the quotes and the images of pain, heartbreak and helplessness had on me, are everlasting and I haven’t looked back since!

I have been actively involved on the Potchefstroom SPCA Committee and have been handling their PR for about 7 months now. Last-mentioned has been the biggest eye opener for me (and I’ve had my eyes opened a few times in my life!) into the world of animal cruelty, neglect and despair.

I always cling to the saying: “Sometimes a man (or woman) is more humanely related to an animal than to any human being”. I have ALWAYS felt like that, like I was born into the wrong species. But I ultimately also believe that God didn’t make a mistake and that I am always trying to live up to my God-given dominion as a Protector (and NOT Destroyer) of our beautiful Earth.

I’m a very new vegan and I am extremely focused on educating the public. As I said, I find people not to be arrogant, but ignorant about veganism and the cruelty of the meat, egg and diary industries.

I’ve been ‘re-greening’ my home and everything around me as far as possible and have begun ‘educating’ my friends and e-mailing connections about veganism, going cruelty-free and adapting to a greener lifestyle.

Further, I’m just in love with the Earth and with its animals. Any harm to either makes me terribly sad and angry.

I studied BA (Fine Arts), but could not complete my degree due to lack of funds. I’ve since then been a Personal Assistant. Lived in Roodepoort, Krugersdorp, Randburg, worked in Sandton, and are now back in Potchefstroom where my 4 year old daughter, Milan, and my dogs keep me and my husband very busy and constantly entertained .

We hope she enjoys her volunteer role with vegan SA and she finds it fun, educating and productive.

See more Vegan SA volunteers.

Reasons to be vegan are so abundant that I haven’t looked back since forsaking dairy in October 2011. Living in the culinary conservative town of Port Elizabeth makes vegan dining out a tad challenging, especially when one eats out more than a couple of nights a week.

Though I started full of enthusiasm in accumulating listings (as Vegan SA’s Regional Manager for PE), it has been hard going and to my shame and horror, to date I have not been able to post a single restaurant listing which complies with the Vegan SA requirements! In the absence thereof, I thought I should provide a couple of pointers as to the better options:

Natti’s Thai Kitchen – St George’s Park

The menu is updated “as and when”, and written on a chalkboard on the wall. The best option is to engage the owner Mark in conversation and discuss your preferences. Salads are differently divine, as are the tempura type vegetable starters. For mains, my long-time favourite is Natti’s extra hot Red Vegetable Curry.

Otherwise Natti will happily rustle up any type of vegetable stir-fry, soup or curry. Fried banana with coconut for dessert and jasmine tea round off a wonderfully different experience at undoubtedly my favourite restaurant in South Africa. An added bonus is that Natti’s is not licensed so you can bring your own!

Fushin – Richmond Hill

Since I tasted the vegetarian sushi at Fushin, I have not come across any sushi bar that can even vaguely compete. This tiny restaurant in vibrant Stanley Street has expert chefs who create sublime works of sushi art in a very joyful environment.

Master chef and owner Mark changes the menu regularly so the appeal is broad, and though the vegan options are not plentiful, they are so tasty that I return time after time without complaint. Each of the dishes is sufficiently filling to have as a main:

• Kakiage – ask for the egg-less version which takes a little longer but worth the wait;
• Vegetarian sushi – divinely fresh sensation (ask that they hold the Japanese mayo as plate garnish);
• Wok fried vegetables;
• Wok fried noodles with either peanut or chilli sauce.

Primi Piatti – Humewood

Although they’re part of a franchise, Primi Piatti on the newly refurbished Brooke’s Hill tries very hard to please. Service is very enthusiastic and unlike many franchises, they don’t seem to mind when one messes with ingredients.

Pizza is of course easy as one can hold off all non-vegan ingredients quite easily, but my favourite is the Pan di pizza: Pizza Fresca with avo, onions, peppers, roast vegies chillies and garlic. The Insalata di Casa sans the pecorino is also good, as are a number of pasta dishes that taste just as good without the cheese.

De Kelder – Summerstrand

While De Kelder specialises in more traditional food, their vegan options are good enough to return for time and again. As a starter, the bruschetta with avocado and tomato is out of this world. As a main course, I recommend the penne arrabiata which is perfectly balanced. Service makes up for any shortage of options on the menu, and the owner Michelle will always go the extra mile to ensure that you are well taken care of.

Rasooie – Heugh Road

It is a little difficult to figure out if many of the dishes are vegan, so I try to use common sense when working through the extensive vegetarian listing to select dairy free items. The food is delicious though the service a bit inconsistent.

Other places worth trying at least once:

The Chilli-bean (Mexican) – Richmond Hill
Yiayia’s (Mediterranean) – Richmond Hill
Charlie Superstar (Italian) – Richmond Hill
Mangiamo’s (Italian) – 6th Avenue, Walmer
Shamwari Townhouse (Boutique dining) – Summerstrand

Article written by Gisela Kaiser, Port Elizabeth

Major’s Hill Wine Estate is situated at the centre of the Robertson wine route with easy access to the town of Robertson itself. The climate is perfect for the harvest of white grapes with the cool sea breeze, while red grapes thrive in the ideal climatic conditions experienced in the Robertson Valley.

Whatever Major’s Hill wines you choose, you will be pleasantly surprised by the taste and aroma of perfectly balanced wines, white or red.

All Major’s Hill wines are vegan and they are available from Froggit & Vonkel [Tel. 021 888 8800].

Visit Vegan SA for more South African vegan wines.

Manley Private Cellar is situated on the Manley Wine Lodge in the Tulbagh valley. Their vegan wine range includes Pinotage, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc and Thatch House Red. Limited quantities of each are produced every year.

The emphasis at Manley is on creating consistent quality wines that reflect the influence of their soil and climate in each variety. All the red wine is grown, made and matured on the estate.

Manley wines are available from Vino Pronto, 42 Orange Street, Gardens, Cape Town, or ordered direct from theit farm for home delivery nationwide.

Visit Vegan SA for more South African vegan wine.

Zandwijk Wines of Paarl produce the Kleine Draken range of kosher wines and grape juice.

Products are Sauvignon blanc, Chardonnay, Semi Sweet Rosé (low alc), Natural Sweet White (low alc), Vin Doux Sweet Sparkling, Dry Red, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Natural Sweet Red (low alc), Kiddush and Red Grape Juice.

Their wines are listed with Pick n Pay, Shoprite Checkers and Spar. Also available at other selected wine retailers.

For more South African vegan wines, visit Vegan SA.

The Elite brand by Strauss has several ‘parve’ chocolate varieties that are suitable for vegans. The Bittersweet Chocolate bar, Bittersweet Chocolate Coins Box, Bittersweet Chocolate 60% Cocoa Solids bar – plain or with almonds, are all dairy-free.

Elite vegan chocolates are available from Pick n Pay and Spar in Norwood, Kosher World in Glenhazel, and other stores that specialise in Jewish foods.

Visit Vegan SA for more vegan chocolate available in South Africa.

The Simba group are South Africa’s leading manufacturer of potato crisps, corn chips and maize snacks.

Many of their branded products are vegan. Here is the current list, confirmed by their Customer Sevrice Centre:-

Simba potato crisps:
Vegan – Salt & Vinegar, Tomato Sauce, Smoked Beef, Mexican Chilli, Steers Spare Rib.
Not vegan – Cheese & Onion, Sour Cream and Onion, Creamy Cheddar, Flame Grilled Steak, Walkie Talkie Chicken.

Lay’s potato crisps:
Vegan – Salted, Sour Cream and Onion, Thai Sweet Chilli, Caribbean Onion & Balsamic Vinegar, Sweet & Spicy Chutney, Sticky BBQ.
Not vegan – Spring Onion & Cheese, Korma Curry, Biltong, Prawn on the Barbie.

Doritos:
Vegan – Sweet Chilli Pepper, Chilli Rib.
Not vegan – Cheese Supreme, Sour Cream & Mild Chilli, Fiery Habanero.

Sunbites Pretzels:
Vegan – Sour Cream and Onion, Chutney, Sweet Chilli, Spicy Tomato.
Not vegan – Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream & Chives, BBQ Beef.

Fritos:
Vegan – Sweet Chilli, BBQ, Tomato.

Niknaks:
Vegan – Fruit Chutney, SpicyTomato.
Not vegan – Fried Cheese.

Twistees:
Vegan – Chutney.
Not vegan – Chicken.

Chipniks:
Vegan – Original.

Ghost Pops:
Vegan – Original.

Simba peanuts:
Vegan – Peanuts & Raisins, Salted Peanuts.

Doritos Collisions:
Not vegan – all flavours

O’Grady’s:
Not vegan – all flavours

Cheetos:
Not vegan – all flavours

Puffs:
Not vegan – all flavours

Graffiti:
Not vegan – all flavours

Visit Vegan SA for more vegan snacks and confectionery.

Imbuko’s Releaf wines are made from 100% hand harvested organically grown grapes. Only sustainable farming practices are used in their vineyards on Uitkyk Farm in Wellington.

Releaf wines care for the environment and wines are bottled in partially recycled glass bottles and labels are printed on recycled paper with sustainable inks.

Releaf Wines are available at the Imbuko Wines cellar door at Uitkyk Farm.

Visit Vegan SA for more South African vegan wine options.

Woolworths home brand has an extensive range of vegan cereals. These include:

• French Vanilla Granola;
• Fruity Muesli;
• Slimmers Choice Cranberry & Cherry Cereal,
• Slimmers Choice Baked Muesli;
• Bran Flakes;
• Bran Flakes with Fruit & Nuts;
• Corn Flakes;
• Puffed Rice;
• Special Choice Multigrain Flakes with Berries;
• Special Choice Multigrain with Rice and Wheat Flakes;
• Low GI Wild Berry Baked Muesli;
• Original Instant Oats;
• Quik Oats;
• Rolled Oats.

Woolworths home brand products are available nationwide.

Visit Vegan SA for more vegan cereal options.

The chefs at Maille have been producing French mustard to a classic Dijon recipe since 1747. It spices up pastas, lasagna, salads, as well as sandwiches and wraps.

The Maille range includes the following vegan dressings: Dijon Originale, Old Style, XXHot, and Horseradish. These vinegars are also vegan: Raspberry, Balsamic, Red Wine, White White and Tarragon.

Maille can be found at Pick n Pay, Spar and Makro stores.

Visit VeganSA for more vegan dressings.