40 Plant-Based South African Storymakers
Join us as we celebrate 40 South Africans who have used their creativity to help grow the plant-based eating movement in South Africa. These 40 people have changed policy, started businesses, grown communities, and helped make plant-based eating more accessible and inspiring.
What we eat doesn’t only affect our health, but also the health of our planet. Research shows that a plant-based diet is a good way to help protect the environment, lower your carbon footprint, slow down climate change, support animal welfare, fight environmental degradation, improve public health, and help the economy change.
Between 1998 and 2018, the amount of meat eaten around the world went up by 58%. Animal farming is responsible for 57% of the greenhouse gases that come from the food system, even though it only makes up 18% of the calories we eat. Climate change, deforestation, lack of water, soil degradation, antibiotic resistance, and the loss of biodiversity are all made worse by the production of beef.
When people eat more plants, the demand for meat, dairy, and eggs goes down. This reduces the suffering of animals and the harsh conditions they have to live in on factory farms. Also, plant-based diets have been linked to lower blood pressure, better heart health, a lower risk of diabetes and cancer, and better well-being and mental health, while eating meat has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, pneumonia, and other serious illnesses.
““Veganism is just a result of your own compassion towards all beings, and compassion is simply a realisation of your connection to nature. When you connect with your nature, with all the beings or all of existence, you will spontaneously become compassionate with everyone.” ”
As more people pay attention to what they eat and want to eat more plant-based foods, more grocery stores, hotels, and restaurants will have these options. As plant-based alternatives become as much a part of South African culture as braaivleis and bobotie, it makes sense that more people will be against putting rules on plant-based alternatives.
Here is a list of the 35 South Africans to follow who only eat plant-based foods. In honour of Veganuary 2023, Treeshake put together this list. These are the people whose voices have changed policy and who inspire others to cook healthy, nutritious, and tasty plant-based food. These people decide every day what food is best for them, their families, and the planet. They also help South Africa's plant-based economy grow. Follow them, support them, and add your own voice to theirs. Together, we can support an economy that makes life easier for vegans and vegetarians by making plant-based alternatives easy to find.
THIRTY FIVE STORYMAKERS ADVANCING PLANT-BASED ECONOMY IN SA
The Caulivores (Nate Duarte and Tayla Davis) (Instagram)
“The power of fueling your body on plants will blow your mind.”
Tayla, Nate, and River Grace are The Caulivores, a whole-food, plant-based family. Nate works in logistics, and Tayla is a model and mother. Nate was able to get rid of his chronic sinusitis after he switched to a plant-based diet and saw firsthand how eating more plants helped him. Based on his observations, the more he leaned toward plants as his primary source of nutrition, the healthier his body became.
"It's like upgrading your body's fuel to a cleaner-burning fuel with a slew of vitality-boosting effects on your health and well-being."
For Nate and Tayla, once you switch to a plant-based diet, your taste buds will start to change, and foods you used to think were just okay will start to taste great. What a treat! Their only regret is not going plant-based sooner.
"It's an exciting journey of discovering a whole new way of eating food that has so many positive downstream effects. It is good for your health, good for the planet's health, and a kinder way to coexist with other sentient beings on this planet. You will never look back once you feel the incredible shift in your own body!"
Jason McNamara (Instagram)
“We don’t have a Planet B to call home! This one is all we have, and we have the power to change the way we treat mother earth through the foods we choose to eat.”
Jason (Jay Mac) is the creator of The Kind Kitchen, a vegan comfort food café in Woodstock, Cape Town. “Being vegan does not have to mean a lifetime of lentils and lettuce leaves.”
Jay’s innovative and vibrant recipes reimagine all your favourite dishes, and we can confirm that he has mastered the art of turning mushrooms into chicken! His truly delicious The Kind Kitchen vegan cookbook can be purchased here.
Dr Anesu Mbizvo (Instagram)
“If you are not vegan, please consider going vegan. It’s a matter of nonviolence. Being vegan is your statement that you reject violence to other sentient beings, to yourself, and to the environment, on which all sentient beings depend.” - Gary L. Francione
Johannesburg-based Dr. Anesu Mbizvo is a medical doctor, yoga teacher, business owner, and former "Survivor South Africa" contestant. Her interests include holistic health, sustainability, and mental health and well-being.
She advises making a gradual transition to a plant-based lifestyle. Instead of trying to give up all meat and dairy at once, she suggests starting with having one plant-based day a week and then building up to one plant-based meal a day.
For Anesu, the goal is to strive to be a better version of yourself and to give yourself grace in the process. Changing habits takes time, and it's normal to make mistakes and slip up now and then. Rather than punishing yourself, forgive yourself with compassion and remind yourself that you are acting in the best interests of yourself and our planet.
Alexandra Dodd (Instagram)
“Veganism is a daily commitment to bringing about a kinder, less violent world“.
Alexandra is a Cape Town-based writer and editor. Her commitment to veganism, animal welfare, and the environment is truly inspiring.
Going vegan for Alexandra has been the one of the most energising, and life-changing decisions she has ever made and continues to make on a daily basis. She suggests that before you begin changing your current lifestyle and choices, you be clear about why you're making the choice, and everything else will flow naturally from there. “Being vegan has changed my orientation in relation to history. I feel much more strongly aligned to the future than I used to, because my connection to life and other living beings of all kinds has deepened vastly”.
For Alexandra, there are so many delicious plant-based options and substitutes for everything these days. “The more difficult part is allowing your numbed conscience to awaken. It hurts to realise how chaotic, violent, and destructive the global animal industrial system is. Take solace in the fact that you're doing something about it rather than just pretending it's not happening’.
Veganism, she believes, is much more political and spiritual than just a way of life or a diet. She explains, “Veganism is entangled with other political struggles. Like all forms of oppression, violent speciesism runs deeper than we know. Now is the time to bring forth a more symbiotic, respectful, and regenerative world! Life on Earth depends on it. Start anywhere, anytime, and take it from there. Every choice counts in large amounts.”
Tammy Fry (Instagram)
“Our food selections not only impact our own health but also the health of Mother Earth and all who call her home.”
Tammy Fry is the daughter of Wally Fry, the founder of The Fry Family Food Company, a South African company known internationally for its plant-based food products. Tammy Fry is an avid crossfitter, a 5th Dan in Karateka, a multiple-time South African national champion, a self-defense coach, a surfer, a businesswoman, a public speaker, a plant-based nutritionist, and the mother of two young boys.
She is a plant-based expert and change advocate who believes that, as a collective, we all have the power to make and leave the world a better place. She was named one of the top eight women changing the world through food by Female First in the UK. She has an undeniable drive to inspire and influence change.
In 2021, Tammy published her vegan-based cookbook offering 75 wholefood, plant-based recipes. “Made with Love and Plants," can be purchased here.
Garth Tavares (Instagram | Twitter)
“All you need is an open mind, a willingness to expand your experience of tastes and textures, the bravery to cook things you can’t pronounce, and most importantly, the patience to understand that all you need to succeed is to take things one day at a time.”
Garth is best known as "Cape Town Vegan." He advises newcomers to the lifestyle to take as long as they need to commit to becoming fully vegan. You know people who say, "I could become vegan if it wasn't for cheese! Well, become "as vegan as possible" until you can give up cheese. Of course, again, one would argue that you can't call yourself vegan if you are not fully vegan. "Do whatever YOU need to do to permanently eliminate animal products from your life."
A few tips and tricks he advises people to try include becoming inspired - watch YouTube videos on easy vegan recipes, becoming informed - read up on other people's tips and tricks for transitioning, substituting GRADUALLY - start with milk replacements finding the one you like, and then gradually omitting cheese, butter, yoghurt, and mayo.
Check out his website www.capetownvegan.com where you will find a complete list of eateries that have vegan options: there are hundreds! There are loads of restaurants with vegan AND omnivore options if you have family members who refuse to eat at 100% vegan restaurants.
Kerishnie Naiker (Instagram | Twitter | Facebook)
“Do not underestimate the positive impact one person can make to benefit Mother Earth, Our Planet and all forms of life.”
Health Activist, international speaker & TV Anchor, Kerishnie has been a vegetarian since birth, but has spent decades as the only vegan in her extended family. Her plant-based diet has given her many mental, emotional, and physical benefits including a full-term, symptom-free pregnancy and a healthy child.
Kerishnie believes it is important not to impose her preferences on others. Seek clarity first, she says, and then make your own informed choices, without being swayed by others.
Michele Mistry (Instagram | Facebook)
“When your body is in balance, your tastes change naturally, and things you thought you couldn't live without become irrelevant.”
Michele is a Cape Town-based certified Ayurvedic nutrition consultant and creative strategist. Her advice for a sustainable and gradual change to better health is to substitute plant-based ingredients for your current top five favourite recipes.
She advocates joining the vegan community and making friends with other plant-based people who can provide the support, wealth of knowledge, and experience you might need when it gets tough or lonely.
Savannah Hodgkinson (Instagram)
“It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal.”
Savannah is currently pursuing a master's degree in Geography with a focus on food geography. and is passionate about sharing vegan recipes and products on social media. Savannah believes that gradually transitioning to a plant-based diet is more sustainable. Her tips for becoming a vegan begin with diet. Continue to eat what you want, but gently prepare your favourite dishes with plant-based ingredients. Allow yourself and your body time to adjust to this new way of life. Change happens gradually. “It also takes a while for your body to get used to all that added fibre. When I first went vegan six years ago I could not stand tofu! Nearly five years later I am obsessed with tofu and tempeh. Try new things often and revert back to the ones you did not like at first because your taste buds might just change their mind”.
She thinks that the best ways to get people to live plant-based lives is through kindness and patience. With compassion and empathy, assist people in transitioning to a plant-based lifestyle. A single meal or wise purchase can make a significant difference.
Sue Gajathar (Instagram)
“Eat the rainbow!”
Sue is the founder of The Vegan Chef restaurant group and a vegan chef. She lives in Johannesburg and owns several vegan restaurants in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, as well as an online store where you can buy her delectable vegan meals.
Sue's Instagram feed is a visual feast. She illustrates, via the use of spices and the right cooking techniques, how a plant-based diet can be healthy, environmentally friendly and delicious. She supports Veganuary and follows the international Veganuary Instagram account @weareveganuary.
Brett Thompson (LinkedIn)
“The cost of compassion is too high. We shop on price, taste, convenience, and culture. Our job is to meet consumers where they are at and provide a more compassionate, sustainable, ethically conscious choice.”
Brett is the co-founder of the Credence Institute and the founder of Mzanzi Meat Co, focused on reimagining the way we make meat through lab grown cultivation. When explaining why he created Mzanzi Meat Co, Brett offers this perspective, "You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, create a new model that renders the old model obsolete."
He is also the South African spokesperson for Meat-Free Mondays and played a role in bringing Veganuary to South Africa in 2020.
When it comes to converting to a plant-based lifestyle, Brett takes a "one bite at a time" approach.
Read more about the amazing work Mzansi Meat Co is doing.
Megan Bell (Instagram)
“As a vegan and a conservationist at heart, I believe that we should live in harmony with nature and others. To me, this means that I refuse to partake in the suffering of others, whether human or animal. Showing love has never made me feel bad.”
Megan is a help desk support engineer living in Cape Town, and her Instagram feed reflects her passion for food and living a more sustainable lifestyle.
Megan says that people who want to switch to a plant-based diet should start small and take it easy on themselves. Begin by eliminating animal products, but keep in mind that you can still make your favourite dishes plant-based. She reminds us that we live in a time when plant-based options are much more readily available than they were a few years ago.
The people around you will be the most difficult part of going plant-based. She warns vegans not to let other people force their beliefs on them or make them second-guess their choice to become vegan. Research is your friend.
Michaela Alexandre (Instagram)
“This is the start of a new life that is still full of flavour, health and kindness!”
Michaela is an entrepreneur, food photographer and recipe developer. She lives in Cape Town and creates fun vegan recipes that inspire the vegan community and those looking for lifestyle changes in food.
If you want to live a vegan lifestyle, Michaela advises that you start with one meal at a time and do a lot of thorough research. Knowledge can be used as motivation when choosing what to put on your plate. She emphasises the importance of having fun creating plant-based versions of your favourite dishes.
“I want people to know that there is no ‘perfect vegan’ out there. It’s a process. Just start and improve where you can.”
Cayley Mogg (Instagram)
"We do not need 100 people to do this perfectly; we need 1,000 people to do it imperfectly. Together, we can make the biggest difference."
Cayley is a social media manager from Edenvale, Johannesburg, and she has been vegan for six years.
She advises that there is no need to drastically change your life overnight or to purge your cupboards and get rid of everything that does not support a plant-based lifestyle in one day when beginning a plant-based lifestyle. Instead, be patient and keep in mind that a lifestyle change takes time. Everyone has their own timeline, whether it's one meat-free meal a day or one new cruelty-free cleaning product. Every small change has a big impact!
Mira Weiner (Instagram | Website)
"I truly believe we can change the world through our kitchens, our little kitchens, and our big kitchens."
Mira Weiner is a plant-based advocate, marketing consultant, entrepreneur, and creative cook. Mira is passionate about conscious living, sustainability, and holistic healing.
She hopes to motivate people to consume more plants, which are better for the environment, animals, and their bodies. She has been a vegetarian since birth and is grateful to have grown up in a vegetarian-friendly household.
Her food philosophy is simple: food should be delicious, nutritious, and nourishing, while also fueling and healing your body, mind, and spirit.
Dominique Westphal (Instagram | TikTok)
"There’s no rush. Do what you can 🌱"
Dominique is a social media manager and lives in Cape Town. She enjoys being a vegan, engaging in athletics, and calling South Africa home.
She finds it simple, and she advises new vegans not to be too strict with themselves. Vegetables and fruits should make up the bulk of your diet. She also wants you to know that you should take your time and do what you can. Get through it one day at a time.
Gabrielle Meyer (Instagram | TikTok)
“You don’t have to be vegan every day. BUT every single day you are, you save on average one animal, 40 pound of grain, 1100 gallons of water and 30 square feet of forest. Together, our ‘one day’ can add up to a massive change.” – Jack Monroe
Gabrielle is known as “Gabby Goes Green” on social media. It was difficult for her at first to transition to a plant-based diet because it required her to change her mindset not only about meat but also about cooking. She is an avid cookbook collector and believes she has far too many…
Her advice is to remember how this minor change in your life can benefit your health, the environment, and the reduction of animal cruelty. The most important message she wants to convey is to slow down. "When I first started my plant-based journey, I wanted to know and learn everything at once. This was not realistic; I had put myself in a situation where I would have no idea what to cook or buy. I also wish I had discovered Abillion and vegan food review apps sooner.”
Tyra-Leigh Findlay (Instagram)
“Just try it!”
Tyra-Leigh is a Cape Town student. She has met and bonded with so many like-minded people since adopting a plant-based lifestyle, and she finds the plant-based community to be supportive and inspiring.
Tyra suggests that you begin by making small changes in your life rather than attempting to make large changes all at once. She claims that this will just add pressure, and that if you make mistakes or order your coffee with milk instead of almond milk, you should be gentle with yourself. She recommends making conscious decisions when purchasing food and other household products and making sure you buy earth friendly products.
“Moving over to a completely plant based lifestyle taught me so much about myself and the planet. Let’s inspire others to make the change towards a plant-based lifestyle.”
Nikki Botha (Instagram | Facebook)
“You won't ever stop evolving as an activist and a vegan. So don't ever assume you know more than those who preceded you. They fought, bled, cried, and sacrificed a lot so that you can walk the path you're walking. Walk the path with pride, grace, dignity and humility - always, always, always.”
Nikki works as a vegan chef and activist in Cape Town. She wants to remind people who are new to a plant-based lifestyle that it is a unique journey - eliminating animal products will be easier for some and more difficult for others. However, it's also a way to help the next generation and stand up for our planet.
Nikki advises people who are just starting their plant-based journeys to connect with other plant-based people and get involved in the South African plant-based community. "There are experts out there that have been on this journey for a very long time who have practical advice to assist you. Don't be afraid to ask!". Most importantly for Nikki, “Don't wait for someone to follow. Lead by example and let others follow YOU”.
Eugene Volkov (Instagram)
“Veganism is not only about food.”
Eugene has followed a plant-based diet since 2016 and now has a treasure chest of nutritious and mouth-watering recipes to choose and cook from. He is the owner and head chef of We Café, a vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Cape Town where his optimistic outlook and vegan-based approach sit at the heart of their culinary creations.
We Café's guiding principles are firmly rooted in the conviction that a plant based cuisine is diverse, unique and creates far less harm for the environment and living beings. For chef Eugene, nature has provided the choicest products, and it is up to us to figure out how to best prepare each one to bring out their own distinctive flavours.
Eugene’s advice (that he says he wishes he had followed from the beginning) to those starting on a healthy plant-based journey is to eat less junk food, more whole foods and try to avoid gluten, sugar and seed oils.
Lexi Monzeglio (Instagram)
“Don’t let perfect get in the way of good enough!”
Lexi is a Cape Town-based restaurateur and entrepreneur who founded the Lexi's Eatery restaurants.
At first, her goal to "eat more plants" meant that she ate less meat and fish until she stopped eating animals completely. "You will find a balance and rhythm that works for you, and giving yourself the space and forgiveness to figure out what that means will ensure a sustainable, long-term change that you can build on," Lexi explains.
The one thing she reminds other plant-based enthusiasts of is that other people's feelings shouldn't matter as much and that your decisions—especially those about what you eat—don't affect anyone else. "Your values and health matter." Not every aspect of life requires a label. You don't have to be a complete vegan to make a difference in the world. Every week, every day, or even a single meal makes a difference, both for your own health and for the rest of the world. So, do what you can today to help bring about change.
Dr. Nanine Wyma (LinkedIn)
“Eating a whole-food plant-based diet significantly improved my relationship with food. Plant-based eating is not about restriction; it is truly about abundance. There are sooo many fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts you can learn how to prepare and eat in a delicious way.”
Dr. Nanine is a medical doctor who also serves as the Programmes Manager at Proveg South Africa and the Managing Director of the Physicians Association for Nutrition South Africa.
First and foremost, she advises against going completely vegan overnight. While it is possible to be healthy while eating only plant-based foods, everybody is unique due to environmental and genetic factors. So go at your own pace based on your resources. If you want to improve your health, work with a dietitian and a doctor to make the necessary changes. Second, she always advises people (even those who are not primarily plant-based) to start by learning how to incorporate more lentils and beans into their diet.
Khensani Mothomogolo (Instagram)
“Find out what works for you, your body, and our planet!”
Khensani is a Johannesburg-based graduate sales representative. It was difficult for her to make the switch to a plant-based diet five years ago, but once she discovered what worked for her through research, she knew it was the right choice for her and our planet.
“It was difficult when I first transitioned five years ago because plant-based wasn't really popular. All I could eat at a restaurant was a bowl of fries, while all my friends got to eat full, hearty meals. Things have gotten better, and now I am genuinely having the greatest time in and out of the kitchen."
Donovan Will (Instagram)
“I thought that ditching animal products would limit my diet to boring food, but I can say without a doubt that the opposite was true; I eat a significantly more varied and interesting diet now than before making the switch.”
Donovan is an avid Ironman athlete and loves cooking vegan food. He is the director of Proveg South Africa and the Physicians Association for Nutrition South Africa.
Donovan challenges you to start small and participate in challenges such as Veganuary or the ProVeg Veggie Challenge, and to prioritise adding plant-based foods you enjoy (or are learning to enjoy) over focusing on what you're not eating. If you enjoy the taste of meat and dairy, experiment with as many meat and dairy alternatives as you can; many are delicious. Don't try to be perfect; instead, consider what changes you can make that will last. And make friends with people who are already thriving on the journey; there are a lot of us out there. Doing this on your own is usually much more difficult.
He wishes he had told himself to go online and look up all the different ways to cook tofu. It took him far too long to realise that tofu has a bad reputation because people don't know how to cook it properly!
Jane Nshuti (Instagram)
”Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” – Hippocrates
Jane is a chef and plant-based recipe developer living in Cape Town.
She recommends that anyone considering a plant-based lifestyle learn how to prepare flavourful, whole-food plant-based meals. It is cheaper and healthier than processed foods; let everything else be an add-on. Learn to cook as well. Food is a fuel, but it should also taste good. Learn different techniques for making healthy food taste delicious.
Jessica Kotlowitz (Instagram)
“You can meet all of your nutrient needs and achieve long-term health on a plant-based diet.”
Jessica, dubbed "The Green Dietitian," believes that perfection is the enemy of progress. Every step you take toward a more plant-based lifestyle helps to improve the lives of farm animals and the future of our planet. She frequently tells her clients that they don't have to be perfect vegans. Instead, she advocates for making small, long-term, incremental changes.
Jessica tells people who are thinking of switching to a plant-based diet that she loves it and has never looked back. At first, changing her diet was hard and uncomfortable, but she has never missed eating animal products. After nine years, she still chooses to eat this way every day. You can follow her on Instagram at
Wethu Ngubo (Instagram)
“Plants are Power.”
Wetho is a plant-based triathlete and business development director based in Johannesburg. He now understands the mental strength and mindset required to follow a vegan diet. He suggests beginning with no meat once a week, then a meat-free week, and finally going completely plant-based.
He follows vegan thought leaders like the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, led by Dr. Neal Barnard.
Shinnai Visser (Instagram | TikTok)
“I stopped dairy first and then stopped eating meat thereafter. So, I went vegan in reverse!”
Shinnai, who goes by the name "Mindful Mama," owns Mindful Baba and works as a freelance social media and account manager. She promotes veganism, cruelty-free living, and conscious living.
She believes that it is critical to identify one’s motivation for going plant-based and then to stick to it. Is it for health reasons? Is it for the planet? Is it for the sake of the animals? Is it all of the above? She offers encouragement for those embarking on this journey: Know that you are doing an amazing thing and that you should be very proud of yourself. Mindful Mamma gave up dairy after watching a documentary 8 years ago and has never touched dairy products again; she then gave up meat.
She constantly reminds herself to be gentle with herself, and as a result, she says she sees the world changing around her! Being a vegan is becoming increasingly simple!
Megan Wessels (Instagram)
“Make one change a week, then one change a day. This way you won’t feel overwhelmed.”
Megan is a high-impact vegan hospitality consultant, and self-taught head baker and pastry chef of The Gypsy Kitchen vegan bakery. She believes in listening to your body and your gut.
To Megan and her family, veganism isn't just about what we consume; it's an everyday contribution. She supports making one change a week, then one change a day. That way, you won’t feel overwhelmed.
Talya Goldberg (Instagram | Twitter)
“Just do it - it's easier and much cheaper to follow and maintain this way of eating than you can even imagine.”
Talya Goldberg runs the VegfriendlyCapeTown Instagram account, where she documents her vegan and vegetarian travels. She also serves as the head of social media at King James.
She suggests that eating a plant-based diet is much simpler than you might think. Instead of focusing on what you're 'giving up,' think about all the amazing food you can eat.
Rosanne Howarth (Instagram | LinkedIn)
“Be kind, optimistic and active.”
Rosanne is a CFA Charterholder who believes in a vegan future and responsible investing.
She believes that once you understand the origins of food, you can only be vegan. She reminds people that they don't have to be perfect; they just have to do their best.
HealthyThandi (Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Website)
“Have fun with your plant-based journey; don't try to be perfect; take it at your own pace, and most importantly, tailor-make it to your budget and lifestyle. Being plant-based is a mindset.”
Thandi is a plant-based content creator who believes that eating plants is the healthiest choice you can make. It encourages you to try new vegetables and recipes and demonstrates that you may have always been a low-key plant-based eater, but you just didn't realise it.
She is the owner of the website www.healthyThandi.com, where she shares recipes, blogs, and sells e-books. In February 2023, she will release her 7-Day Vegan eBook.
She suggests following vegan-related hashtags to get recipe ideas and stay up to date on what's going on in the vegan community.
Mamaputle Boikanyo (Instagram)
“At the end of it all, plant-based foods and cooking will be an amazing experience for you. It's strange to explain it, but your love of food is likely to change, you'll experience textures and tastes differently, and most of all, your skin and your body are likely to thank you for it.”
Mamaputle is a freelance writer who gave up eating animals 14 years ago and has been following a plant-based diet for the last ten years. Her stand against animal cruelty is a powerful reason for her commitment to being plant-based. She believes that people who go plant-based and stick to it must have a pure and meaningful reason for doing so; only then can you overcome any obstacles along the way.
Everything in the world, according to Mamaputle, is connected: our beliefs, our behaviours, our actions, and their impact on the spaces around us and the world at large. “Going plant-based or vegan reflects not only your understanding of the world and its interconnectedness, but also how much you truly value life. It is the ultimate manifestation of your empathy and recognition that life, no matter how big or small, matters”.
Banesa Tseki (Instagram | Twitter | Facebook)
“This journey is going to feel like a powerful step in both surrender and humility, but ultimately it will be about making your inner and outer world a more peaceful place.”
Banesa is a brand strategist and yoga & wellness entrepreneur. She believes that making mistakes is perfectly acceptable. "It's okay if this journey isn't easy, and it's okay if people around you think you're strange or different... What matters is that you are attempting to do the right thing, whether for yourself, Mother Earth, or the animals".
She reminds people that being a vegan can be challenging, but once you see how good it makes you feel and look, you will always strive to live this way. It's a difficult pill to swallow, but the world needs more imperfect vegans doing their best.
Zoe Twala (Instagram | TikTok)
“Going plant-based in 2023 is more affordable than you think - instead of chicken and rice try chickpeas and rice. Making a change as simple as eating beans instead of meat can cut your grocery bills in half.”
Zoe is a customer service representative from Springs. She believes that converting your favourite foods to plant-based alternatives is the best way to begin your journey toward making plant-based eating a lifestyle rather than a crash diet. If you enjoy baking, concentrate on learning how to make plant-based cakes. After you've mastered that, move on to other dishes. She promotes planning and meal preparation as a means of achieving success.
Whether you're a vegan for health, animals, or the environment, the best thing you can do is transition in a way that works for you.
Emma-Claire Peter (Instagram)
“Have fun with your food; often the simplest, least complicated food is the tastiest and healthiest for you.”
Meet Emma-Claire Peter, a culinary innovator and curator for The Plant Powered Show, Africa's ultimate celebration of plant-based food, drink, and conscious living. She encourages everyone to have fun with their food and reminds us that the simplest, least complicated foods often nourish the body and soul the best.
Having realised the benefits of plant-based living, Emma-Claire has not regrets transitioning to this lifestyle, except for not starting earlier. She encourages others to create a weekly routine as she does with making her own nut milk, to ensure you always have delicious and conscious food and drink options on hand.
Emma-Claire also understands that being vegan doesn't automatically equate to being healthy, and advises everyone to be mindful of their approach to plant-based eating. She recognises that South Africa still has a long way to go in being inclusive of vegans/plant-based eaters, particularly on restaurant menus, but remains optimistic about the change that's hopefully on the horizon.
Johke Steenkamp (Instagram)
“By making plant-based eating accessible it is possible to make a difference in the world. Making even the smallest difference still means making a difference.”
Johke Steenkamp is the owner and chef behind Grumpty & Runt, a vegan bakery in Cape Town known for their mouth-watering hand-crafted donuts. With a passion for sharing her knowledge, Johke encourages others to explore the world of plant-based cooking through recipes, blogs, and social media.
“Switching to a plant-based lifestyle can feel intimidating but once you set the fears aside and start learning, it’s easy and delicious.” She encourages everyone to start simple and cook as much as possible, not putting pressure on yourself to learn everything at once.
Johke reminds us that the best ingredients and techniques don't have to be expensive or complicated, and wishes she had educated herself on this principle earlier in her journey.
Robyn Horwitz (Instagram)
“A simple place to start is to look at the food you like to eat and the meals you like to make and think of how to veganise them, rather than stressing about about new recipes and meals you have never seen before.”
Robyn Horwitz is an entrepreneur and consultant, passionate about promoting a plant-based lifestyle. She shares delicious recipes, reviews, and recommendations on her main page, Vegan Things, and extensive directory of all things plant-based for those seeking vegan options in South Africa. She also organises a monthly Vegan Things Night Market in Jozi, and hosts secret dinner parties for SecretEATS and Eat More Greens in Jozi and Cape Town - all plant-based of course!
Robyn’s journey to plant-based living began gradually, but as she delved deeper, she realised the greater impact it had on the world. Robyn is always happy to share her expertise on veganism with her followers and friends, from restaurant suggestions to recipe ideas, and anything in between!
Caz Karssing (Instagram | TikTok)
“Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money” - Cree Indian Proverb
Meet Caz Karssing, a believer in progress over perfection when it comes to living a vegan lifestyle. Caz is the Editor and Social Media Manager for Vegan SA, the ultimate online vegan guide in South Africa, offering a comprehensive directory of vegan-friendly restaurants, shops, products, and accommodation.
For her, the most important thing is taking that first step towards a more conscious way of living, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. She knows that starting can be daunting, but she encourages everyone to take it one day at a time, and to not be discouraged by naysayers. Caz firmly believes that being a vegan doesn't have to be complicated, and that every effort counts towards making a positive impact on our planet and its inhabitants.
Lee & Braidy Connolly (Instagram)
“Do what makes you feel good and follow your own path to YOUR most ideal plant-based lifestyle. A balanced plant-based lifestyle is what we're all about!”
Lee and Braidy Connolly are the directors and creative minds behind Vegan Streetfood, a bespoke eatery that captures the spirit of plant-based fusion food. Their 100% vegan cuisine is rooted in heart, body, and soul.
For Lee and Braidy, education is key. They encourage everyone to learn about the truths of animal agriculture, egg and dairy industries through documentaries, immersion in the vegan community, and visits to vegan establishments. They believe that once you do this, “you will find that you not only CAN adopt a plant-based lifestyle, but that you will WANT to."
The duo also promotes a balanced approach to plant-based living, encouraging everyone to not “let others dictate what your version of your vegan lifestyle may look like." Follow what feels right for you, whether that be whole foods or plant-based burgers and pies.
These are just some of the incredible people who make a difference to the plant-based community.
If their work inspires you, you can connect with them by clicking on the links. The more you support them, the more people will help them with their work. You can share this article by using the #PBSA link on social media. If you believe that anyone has been left off the list, that is someone we should include. Please contact us.
