Addressing Concerns: SA Chefs Clarifies Decision Not to Send Team to 2024 Culinary Olympics

The South African Chefs Association MEDIA RELEASE

Addressing Concerns: SA Chefs Clarifies Decision Not to Send Team to 2024 Culinary Olympics

Johannesburg, 29 January 2024

The South African Chefs Association (SA Chefs) acknowledges the public outcry regarding the decision not to send a team to the 2024 Culinary Olympics in Stuttgart, Germany. We want to address the concerns raised and provide clarity on the mitigating factors that led to this decision, though we did warn all our valuable members in earlier correspondences in the past.

Financial Challenges

The decision to forgo participation in the 2024 Culinary Olympics is primarily rooted in financial challenges. The 2020 Olympics cost SA Chefs almost R4 million, a substantial financial strain. Despite tireless efforts, securing sponsorships from corporate South Africa proved exceedingly difficult during a period of economic uncertainty, exacerbated by the aftermath of the global COVID-19 pandemic. We emphasise that this is not an isolated challenge, as several countries worldwide have faced similar financial constraints and opted not to participate in the 2024 Olympics.

Global Economic Impact of COVID-19

The tourism and hospitality industry globally has suffered severe consequences due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an environment where corporate South Africa was tightening budgets and cutting costs for survival, securing sponsorships became an insurmountable challenge. SA Chefs had to make a prudent financial decision in the face of these economic uncertainties.

Challenges in Securing Sponsorship

Despite reaching out to various stakeholders, including hospitality businesses and corporate entities such as Discovery, securing sponsorship for the 2024 Olympics was met with limited success. The financial landscape during this period made it challenging for sponsors to allocate resources to non-profit organizations like SA Chefs.

Economic Realities in South Africa

South Africa is still grappling with socio- economic challenges, including recession, rising food costs, and unemployment. The impact of issues such as load shedding and water scarcity further exacerbates the economic climate. The hospitality industry, a significant supporter of SA Chefs, has faced closures and job losses, affecting the association's revenue streams.

Moreover, the industry has witnessed the departure of skilled chefs who chose to switch careers or revoke their membership. For some, participating in culinary events became a luxurious undertaking they had to forgo, focusing instead on rebuilding their lives amidst economic uncertainty.

Return on Investment Strategy

In addition to the aforementioned challenges, SA Chefs strategically considered the return on investment for both sponsors and our esteemed membership. The landscape of corporate sponsorships has evolved, with companies expecting tangible value in return for their contributions. With a budget exceeding R4 million to send a squad of fewer than 20 people for a two-week sojourn in Germany, the Association was diligently focusing on optimizing every rand spent.

Companies no longer provide sponsorships freely; instead, they expect measurable returns. As responsible stewards of the association's resources, the decision-makers at SA Chefs deemed it necessary to scrutinise the feasibility and value proposition of such a significant investment. This meticulous approach aligns with our commitment to financial prudence and ensuring that every expenditure contributes meaningfully to the association's goals.

Transformational Processes for Inclusivity

Addressing concerns raised in 2020 about team representation, SA Chefs initiated a transformational process aimed at promoting inclusivity. This involved redefining team selection criteria, implementing transparent judging protocols, and establishing a management system that fosters diversity. Unfortunately, to execute these changes effectively, the decision was made to defer team participation to the 2028 Olympics.

SA Chefs acknowledges the disappointment expressed by some members and the public, and we share in the frustration. The decision, however, was not taken lightly, and it is crucial to recognise that every choice made by the board is aimed at the long-term benefit of the majority of SA Chefs.

We appeal for understanding and solidarity as we navigate these challenging times. SA Chefs remains committed to representing South Africa on the international culinary stage, and we are confident in our plans to participate in the 2028 Culinary Olympics.

For media inquiries, please contact:

James Khoza

South African Chefs Association

[email protected]