Cape Town Chefs Rally to Support Food Icon Errieda du Toit

When cookbook author and television producer Errieda du Toit needed help, the food community she nurtured for decades showed up in force.

The Stellenbosch family of chefs, winemakers and hospitality professionals has organized a fundraiser dinner on June 24 at Lanzerac Estate Hotel & Spa to help cover her medical expenses. Tickets are already on sale for the evening that brings together some of the Cape Winelands' most respected culinary talents.

For anyone who grew up listening to South African radio or watching local cooking shows, Errieda's voice is familiar. She's the beloved Huiskok (home cook) on Radio Sonder Grense and the creative force behind hit TV series Kokkedoor. Her cookbooks have guided home cooks through everything from traditional recipes to modern innovations.

Now it's her turn to receive the kindness she's given others. Nine celebrated chefs including Bertus Basson, Garth Bedford and Michelle Theron have donated their time and expertise to create a four-course family-style feast. Media personality Martelize Brink will host the evening, also volunteering her time.

"Errieda has touched countless lives through her passion for food, storytelling and bringing people together around the table," says chef and restaurateur Bertus Basson. "This dinner is our way of giving something back."

The Ripple Effect

The generosity extends beyond the kitchen. Lanzerac Hotel is donating the venue and contributing R1,000 from every room booked for June 24 to the fundraiser. Wine producers across Stellenbosch have supplied bottles for the evening. Suppliers have donated ingredients and products.

The collective effort represents more than just financial support. It shows how Errieda's decades of celebrating South African food culture created lasting connections across the industry. Her work producing content, writing cookbooks like "Share: A Century of South African Community Recipes," and mentoring others built a community that now stands ready to help.

People unable to attend the dinner can contribute directly through a BackaBuddy campaign. Every contribution helps ease the burden of medical bills for Errieda and her family during this challenging time.

The evening promises exceptional food, fine Stellenbosch wines and heartfelt camaraderie, all centered around honoring someone who made South African food culture richer. Sometimes the best way to say thank you is to show up when it matters most.