Mpophomeni (KZN) change-maker builds health and community through food

Source article published in March 2022

In Mpophomeni township near Howick in KwaZulu-Natal, Lihle Mavuso is showing that tasty and healthy food can change a community for the better. Through her plant-based food business, Khayelihle Food Bowl, Lihle serves delicious meals while encouraging healthier lifestyles in Mpophomeni. 

What was is problem?

Mpophomeni, like many townships in South Africa, struggles with food security and access to healthy, affordable food. Mavuso noticed that fast-food options in her community mainly offered unhealthy choices, leading to poor eating habits and a range of health issues. 

How did they fix it?

Lihle Mavuso started Khayelihle Food Bowl, a takeaway business that offers a variety of tasty and affordable plant-based meals. Not only does Khayelihle Food Bowl provide food, but it also educates and inspires others to live healthier lives through plant-based eating.

What made it work? 

• Healthier, plant-based cooking. After years of baking and cooking, Mavuso changed to plant-based food. Her own experience with her health motivated her to promote healthy eating in her community.

• Growing her own food. Mavuso volunteered for an internship with local farmer Nhlakanipho Nzimande, where she learned about organic farming, sparking her passion for growing her food. Today, she has a small garden where she grows fresh ingredients like lima beans, sweet potatoes, peppers, and avocados. This ensures she has fresh produce for her meals.

• Community partnerships. Through Mnandi a Taste of Mpophomeni, a cookbook celebrating the recipes created by the community of Mpophomeni by Nikki Brighton, Mavuso has exchanged local recipes. Mavuso also participates in the Sustainable Nutrition for Climate Action Research Project with One Planet SA, which has helped her learn more about sustainable food choices and share her knowledge with others. 

• Partnering with local tourism opportunities. Khayelihle Food Bowl markets meals to tourists who visit the Midlands through partnerships with tour companies like Mpophomeni Horseback Tours.

For more information, find  Khayelihle Food Bowl on Facebook

Acknowledgements

Source article: Mpophomeni resident Lihle Mavuso shares her food story  by Mpophomeni Conservation Group

Photograph: Penzmalinga