The Vegan SA Blog

Home From Home is a luxurious 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom establishment with stunning views of Table Mountain, Robben Island and the dunes. Can be rented per room (continental breakfasts included) or the whole house (self catering). Fully furnished and equipped kitchen, dining room and lounge with DSTV and internet. Just a 5 minute walk to the beach and Big Bay Shopping Centre with nightlife and restaurants that serve vegan dishes. 2 minutes walk to the bus stop to explore Cape Town.

Their pleasure is to assist you to make your stay the most enjoyable ever. Any special requests for food, romantic extras, kiddies high chairs etc, are welcome.

Visit Vegan SA for more vegan-friendly accommodations in the Western Cape.

We are pleased to introduce Tony Hardy as one of our Regional Managers for Durban.

“I previously had an on and off affair with vegetarianism, driven at times by health reasons, and other times by ethical and compassionate motivations. Happily, this has become a momentum gathering trend resulting in a conscious choice to embrace a vegan lifestyle.

The plight of those without a voice resounds strongly with me and, as such, the obvious decision is to pursue a way of life that reflects this inner conviction. “Some see veganism as an extreme choice, I see the perpetuation of cruelty to animals as the real extreme behaviour. Unfortunately, many people don’t yet see the connection between their buying choices and the abuses that they choose to be ignorant to as a part of the issue.”

I believe activism is important in all of its forms, “the inhumane practices of many companies needs to be highlighted, but just as important, the supply and demand cycle must also be recognized as a driver, as such, if consumers start making better decisions, the demand will change. This is where suppliers feel it the most – their bottom line!”

At the moment, I’m providing consulting services to one of South Africa’s largest recycling and waste minimization firms. In addition to this, I develop internet based applications and operates in the online marketing space which will be branching off more directly into personal development through my on-going study of neuro-linguistic programming.

As an avid martial artist I run a Krav Maga self-defence studio. Other activities include mountain biking, sailing and exploring new ways to maintain health and fitness whilst having fun. Reading is one of my favourite pastimes as it opens up so many avenues for learning and growth. Poetry features in my creative expression from time to time too, … oh, and you can find me behind a chess board on the odd occasion too. )

We wish Tony every success in his new role with Vegan SA.

Visit our website for more information about volunteering for Vegan SA.

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.

… a regular nutrition series for vegans by Anastacia Sampson

Soya foods are one of the most widely utilised, nutritionally fortified or processed foods in our day and age; and stem from a solid background in the Asian agricultural sector.

They have an important role to play in the management of cholesterol for vegans. Cholesterol is part of the structure that provides the rigidity to healthy cells. Some cells need more cholesterol than other cells, remember cholesterol is needed and has a vital role to play, but always needs to be in balance.

Cholesterol is not a bad guy; it’s just that people often take in far too much cholesterol via animal foods.

How Cholesterol Can Cause Harm By Mismanagement

Soya beans (as well as the yolk of eggs) are recognised as among the main suppliers of a substance called lecithin (phosphatidyl choline). It is lecithin that forms HDL (high-density lipoproteins) and LDL (low density-lipoproteins), these are the main carriers or transport vehicles of cholesterol in our body. HDL carries cholesterol outside the body and LDL carries cholesterol to our cells.

Imagine cholesterol as passengers or commuters. If all the passengers on our public roads and transport routes were stuck and not moving we have traffic jams. There needs to be a flow in transportation, to ease off on traffic congestion. Our circulatory system is like a road network of blood vessels. People are like cholesterol, they need to move/travel before reaching their destination to perform work, chores and functions.

So when we have too much cholesterol and/or not enough lecithin to transport it, the excess cholesterol attaches itself to blood vessels leading to the constriction and narrowing of arteries. This is part of what can cause the dreaded blood clot, stroke or heart attack (all forms of cardiovascular disease). It can also precipitate into the formation of gall stones.

A Way to Support Healthy Cholesterol Balance

There are supplements of high quality phosphatidyl choline (lecithin) and we can also take it moderately via soya foods. Regardless if we are at risk of cardiovascular disease, we serve our cardiovascular system a great deal by eating soya foods.

The lecithin from soya is suitable for vegetarians and soya will deliver a host of other antioxidants to reduce the pace of our ageing. Ageing and disease are ultimately due to free radicals. Free radicals are unavoidable, as even our oxygen is a source of free radical. Yet we counter free radicals by limiting exposure where possible and supplying with antioxidants. So soya has more than one reason why it may protect us from developing progressive cardiovascular disease.

Other Uses of Cholesterol

Cholesterol is the starting material for the manufacture of steroid hormones. Cholesterol has such a basic structure that it can be transformed into essential hormones. The steroid hormones belong to the reproductive function and long term stress responses.

Then there are the bile acids, which are fat digestive particles. Bile acids consist of cholesterol, yet it is the bile acids that support cholesterol removal from the body and support fat digestion and absorption.

Some people have a genetic predisposition to high cholesterol. There are people that manufacture too much cholesterol and struggle to break it down for removal, regardless of strict regulated cholesterol dietary intakes.

Generally though, through a vegan diet we need not worry about sources high of cholesterol intake, even from fatty nuts! Now the consequences of too much fat are another story, for another time.

Bottom line is this – eggs contain lecithin and cholesterol, soya beans contain lecithin and no cholesterol. Vegans (or anyone) can manufacture cholesterol from plant steroids (phytosterols). So vegans need not worry about excess cholesterol levels – however, each individual is unique and may be susceptible, despite healthy lifestyle choices, due to hereditary factors.

Do email me fif you have questions or need information. In health, Anastacia.

Know your health to live a life of vitality and well-being.

Visit Vegan SA for more information on vegan nutrition.

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.