Hope Malau

Say hi to Hope Malau, author of “Johanne 14”, published in 2017. Talking about his book, Hope says: “It’s a recipe book on traditional South African foods with a contemporary twist, but most interestingly it is written with stories of our past and the way of life delving into both the good and the bad; but moreover the resilience of our cultures and their contribution to the way we cook.” Hope was a food editor for Drum magazine and senior assistant food editor for Woolworths Taste Magazine. Currently, he works as a freelance chef and has created his own line of sauces.

Q & A with Hope

Question: What’s your goal/vision for this conference?

Answer: At #SAPOCTable conference I want to share and learn as much as I can from speakers and attendants. I’d like to hear what’s next to make POC visible in the industry and to raise awareness and our profile.

Question: Name one person in this broader industry whom you look up to or a person who you really admire and why.

Answer:  My inspiration is Mam Dorah (@dorahlydia ) – she has this natural humanity and humility. I grew up pretending to eat her food through the magazine. Would love to learn more about her challenges when she started as the first black food editor in SA.

Question: Fill in the following: Transformation in this industry (name your specific field or cause) will happen when…

Answer: I believe transformation will happen when people work together to eliminate a one-sided system. This will brew diversity which in turn will foster a lot more of our ideas and creativity. Transformation means change and I hope that this generation and next hold the same desire to see a change in our social and economic standing.

Question: What would you love people to know about you and your work?

Answer: I try to be as authentic as I can. I’m proud of my humble beginnings and am proudly South African.