Food Studies Research Network

Pre-Conference Afternoon: "Siyakwamukela!” A True South African Welcome

The Food Studies Research Network is pleased to offer the following pre-conference afternoon tour on 7 October 2025.

"Siyakwamukela!” A True South African Welcome

(Siyakwamukela means "We welcome you" in Zulu)

We invite you to join us for an enriching excursion to the Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve – one of Pretoria's most scenic and tranquil locations. This 100-hectare reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including Springbok, Zebra, Impala, and Ostrich, as well as abundant birdlife, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.

During your visit, enjoy a guided exploration of the reserve’s natural beauty, followed by an elegant tasting of South African wines and canapés in a serene outdoor setting.

The Moreleta Spruit, which flows through the reserve, adds to the peaceful ambience, creating the perfect backdrop for this unforgettable experience.

This is a unique opportunity to experience South Africa’s natural heritage and enjoy a taste of local hospitality in a beautiful setting. We look forward to welcoming you!

For Nature Reserve AND Wine Tasting

Date: 7 October 2025
Tour Departure Time: 3:00PM (15:00)
Meeting Location: Future Africa
Cost: $35 USD

Wine Tasting Only

Date: 7 October 2025
Tour Departure Time: 6:00PM (18:00)
Meeting Location: Future Africa
Cost: $25 USD

Booking: Reservations can be made by clicking the button below. Please note, spots on the tour are limited and only reservations that have been paid in full will be considered confirmed. Simply requesting a reservation will not guarantee a place on the tour.

Click to Book the Pre-Conference Tour

Seeds of Resilience: Exploring Africa’s Indigenous and Orphan Crops

We are pleased to invite you to a special event on 8 October 2025.

Join us at Future Africa for an enlightening garden tour that delves into the critical role of Africa’s indigenous and orphan crops in promoting food security, sustainability, and agrobiodiversity. Led by Dr. Hennie Fisher and Mr. Richard Hay, this immersive experience provides an in-depth exploration of these underutilized species and their potential contributions to urban food security.

Participants will gain valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of these crops while exploring innovative approaches to integrating them into urban greenspaces and contemporary food systems. This tour not only highlights the resilience and versatility of Africa’s agricultural heritage but also fosters discussions on addressing global challenges such as climate change and nutrition security through indigenous knowledge systems.

Engage with thought leaders, connect with peers, and expand your understanding of how these crops can shape the future of sustainable agriculture and equitable food practices.

Date: 8 October 2025
Start Time: See Event Schedule for Specific Time.
Meeting Location: Future Africa
Cost: Free to all fully registered in person delegates of the conference.

Click to Sign Up

Conference Gala Dinner

Please join us the evening of 9 October 2025 for the conference dinner at Javid Art Centre.

Join us for a spectacular Gala dinner hosted by our final-year hospitality students at the Javid Art Centre. Experience a curated multi-course menu celebrating South Africa’s rich culinary heritage, blending traditional flavours with modern creativity using locally sourced ingredients.

This event marks the culmination of our students’ journey, showcasing their passion, innovation, and hospitality expertise in an unforgettable dining experience while celebrating South African art and culture in the inspiring setting of the Javett Art Centre.

Date: 9 October 2025
Start Time: 7:00PM (19:00)
Location: Javett Art Centre, University of Pretoria, 23 Lynnwood Rd, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa
Cost: $70 USD

Booking: Reservations can be made by clicking the button below. Please note, spots are limited and only reservations that have been paid in full will be considered confirmed. Simply requesting a reservation will not guarantee a place on the tour.

Click to Book the Gala Dinner

Crust and Crumb: A Cultural Journey Through Bread

We are pleased to invite you to a special event on 10 October 2025 at 2:00PM.

Join Prof Gerrie du Rand and Dr Hennie Fisher on Friday 10 October 2025 (14:00PM) in the training kitchens of the Department of Consumer and Food Sciences in the Old Agriculture Building on the main campus of the University of Pretoria for a hands-on bread-baking workshop.

Please book using the link below and tell us about your favourite cultural bread. Add your requested bread-baking ingredients and enjoy an afternoon of baking, illustration, sharing and tasting.

Gerrie and Hennie will illustrate and demonstrate a selection of South African breads, whereafter participants will each make their own favourite cultural bread.

This workshop is priced along with the South African braai that takes place on Friday evening, and the breads that participants have baked during the workshop will be taken along to the braai venue, where it will be served, in South African style, as a starter to the braai, along with items such as cheese, preserves, pâtés and other South African snacks such as biltong.

Date: 10 October 2025
Start Time: See Event Schedule for Specific Time.
Meeting Location: Future Africa
Cost: Free to all fully registered in person delegates of the conference.

Click to Sign Up

South African Braai

Wrap Up Your Conference with a True South African Braai Experience!

Join us on the last day for an unforgettable traditional South African braai – the ultimate way to savour local flavours, enjoy great company, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Good food, great vibes, and a perfect farewell! You won’t want to miss it!

Date: 10 October 2025

Start Time: 5:30PM (17:30)

Location: “Uitspan” University of Pretoria Sports Campus

Cost: $15 USD

Booking: Reservations can be made by clicking the button below. Please note, spots are limited and only reservations that have been paid in full will be considered confirmed. Simply requesting a reservation will not guarantee a place on the tour.

Click to Reserve Your Spot

Online Special Events


Online Welcome and Training Session

Join other delegates for a pre-conference welcome reception and training session.

We are excited to announce the online conference will be delivered on the CGScholar platform – developed by the Common Ground Media Lab, the research and technology arm of Common Ground Research Networks.

This special event will walk you through the CGScholar Event Microsite so you have a rich online experience by learning how to comment and participate online. It will also teach delegates how to update their profile and Presenter Pages in order to add digital media: video, sound, and other files.

7 OCTOBER 2025

10:00AM Central Standard Time Chicago USA // 17:00PM South African Standard Time Pretoria, South Africa

Online Talking Circle

Talking Circles are a distinctive feature of our in-person conference, and this year we are also taking them online. Talking Circles offer an opportunity to meet other delegates face-to-face, and engage in extended discussion about the issues and concerns they feel are of utmost importance to that segment of the Research Network. Participation is open, encouraged, and supported.

9 OCTOBER 2025

10:00AM Central Standard Time Chicago USA // 17:00PM South African Standard Time Pretoria, South Africa

PLEASE CHECK THE EVENT SCHEDULE FOR LINKS and FURTHER DETAILS
Sign Up for Online Special Events

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