A professor from the Department of Agricultural Extension and Sustainable Food Systems has issued a passionate challenge to the youth to shift their attitudes toward indigenous foods, urging them to use social media to popularise traditional eating and combat the country’s rising health crises. Professor Xolile Mkhize, speaking at the second annual Indigenous Food Market Day on 16 July 2026, emphasised that returning to traditional diets is key to a healthier future. “I am challenging you to post our indigenous food on social media. We need to eat our indigenous food every day,” Mkhize urged the crowd gathered at the University’s Anniversary Lane. “South Africa suffers from obesity and diseases. Let us prioritise our indigenous food,” she said to staff, students and members of the community who gathered to buy and learn from the speakers. The second edition of the landmark event was held under the theme: “Accelerating Food System Transformation in South Africa through Indigenous Food Promotion.”
The event served not only as a celebration of heritage but also as a direct response to the soaring cost of living in South Africa. Professor Mkhize highlighted a finding by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) that food in the country has become prohibitively expensive, including basic staples like bread. “It is retailers that manipulate the prices,” Mkhize stated bluntly. “Food is a human right. Today, we are responding to market issues. You can see our prices are low. We want to support our local farmers.”
The market day successfully bridged the gap between producers and consumers, providing a bustling platform for staff, students, and local agriculturalists to trade and share knowledge.
Local farmers and MUT alumni cashed in as the event proved to be a major financial success for the 18 local farmers in attendance, who walked away with well-deserved cash in their pockets. Among the prominent local enterprises showcasing their fresh, organic produce were Dayingubo, Fabfarms, Family Choice, Siyakha Sonke Multipurpose, Umgiba Farming Organic and Training, Emphephetheni Farm.
Beyond supporting local agriculture, the market day served as a proud showcase of MUT’s academic impact. Professor Mkhize noted that the event provided University alumni with a perfect opportunity to showcase their products and demonstrate the practical value of their MUT qualifications. “We also have student innovation on display. Our youth must also know where they come from. Let us buy, cook, and share,” she said, calling on the younger generation to share their indigenous culinary stories online.