Love is the secret ingredient

 

 

488 Yoliswa Ndoyiya at the Mandela Foundation in Houghton signing books for buyers during the launch. Yolisa has been cooking for Madiba for the past 22 years. 020212. Picture: Bongiwe Mchunu

ANGELIQUE SERRAO

THE REAL secret behind the tasty food served at Nelson Mandela’s table is nothing more than love.

The Madiba family cook, Xoliswa Ndoyiya, has served this key ingredient for nearly 20 years.

Some of her best recipes are now available to the public.

The jovial culinary expert launched a book yesterday, sharing some of Tata’s favourite meals.

Titled Ukutya Kwasekhaya: Tastes from Nelson Mandela’s Kitchen, the cook book contains a collection of more than 60 recipes, including Madiba’s particular favourites oxtail and farm chicken with samp and beans.

Luvuyo Mandela, one of Tata’s grandsons, said Ndoyiya was the family’s best-kept secret who had been with them through so many memories.

One he remembered was when the late pop star Michael Jackson came over for supper. Luvuyo was still small and was going through a stage during which he did not want to wear socks.

“I was dressed and then put in the car to come to the house, but in the car my shoes and socks came off. There I am in a picture today with Michael Jackson with no shoes or socks on.”

Ndileka Mandela read out a letter from Madiba and Graca Machel to Ndoyiya that said: “Your love and devotion to Madiba and I are beyond words.”

Yesterday Ndoyiya was overcome with emotion, saying simply: “Wow, a big wow!” to all the sentiment expressed on her behalf.

She remembered two decades back when she was called for an interview at Luthuli House.

“Tata had heard I was a good cook. He asked me a few questions and I thought there would be more interviews, but he hired me for the job. I am so thankful for that day,” Ndoyiya said.

She said she always made food for the family and for all the guests that had come to the house over the years with love.

Mandela expressed his thanks in a letter at the front of the book: “Thank you for feeding us so well for all these years.”

The reciple book is selling for R325 at major bookstores.

-The Star- 3 February 2012-