African Food and Art

Thank you to our latest donor, Tony. Thank you, Tony. We were able to purchase three new stainless steel pots to continue our cooking and teaching heritage.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma Embodies African Women Empowerment

The former Chairperson of the African Union Commission is Her Excellency Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.



Chairperson of the African Union Commission DE Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma

Dr. Dlamini Zuma Embodies African Women Empowerment

On September 9, 1999, 54 African countries, in their quest for unity, economic and social development called for the establishment of an African Union. The vision of the African Union is that of “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena.” The African Union's vision is also to spearhead Africa’s development and integration in the global arena.

Her Excellency Dr. Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini Zuma embodies empowerment of women across the African continent and the world. She was born on January 27, 1949 in the current South African province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma is the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Gender activist, former Chairperson of the AU Commission, former Minister in the Presidency, Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Health MP.

While in exile, she received her doctorate from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom in 1978. She became an active underground member of the African National Congress (ANC) from 1971-1976 and a member of the South African Students Organization being elected deputy president.

After the 1994 elections, Dr Dlamini Zuma was appointed as Minister of Health in the cabinet of the late President Nelson Mandela. In July 2012, the African Heads of States elected H.E Dr. Dlamini Zuma Chairperson of the African Union Commission. She is the first woman to lead the continental organization, including its predecessor, the Organization of African Unity. H.E Dr Dlamini Zuma was the first woman and candidate of the southern region elected to the post.

A few objectives of the African Union are to achieve greater unity and solidarity between the African countries and the peoples of Africa, promote peace, security, and stability on the continent and advance the development of the continent by promoting research in all fields, in particular in science and technology. Recently African leaders have agreed to send 7,500 troops to fight the Boko Haram insurgency in northeast Nigeria. There are 54 African Union Member States as of March 2015.

African Union Members
African Union Member States as of March 2015

Her Excellency Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma

Dr. Dlamini Zuma stated during an interview "As a young girl growing up in Polela, in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, I became acutely aware of the close links that exist between health and development. This occurred partly through the work of Dr Sidney and Emily Kark and John Cassel."

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

Image
How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
Learn More About Africa

Human Rights vs Local Customs

Image
Aligning global human rights standards with local customs regulating child marriages in Nigeria requires a sensitive and respectful approach from the international community. According to Emory university, study on laws in Nigeria, there are three types of legal systems customary, Islamic and English style law. Local customary laws reflect the history, values, and beliefs passed down through generations playing an important role in shaping the social, cultural, and moral fabric of a community.  In many states in Nigeria, Islamic laws govern all aspects of life, such as marriage, family structures, and community interactions, and are seen as vital for maintaining social harmony and order.  Both these customary laws also serve as mechanisms for resolving disputes, preserving traditions, and sustaining community bonds. Local and Islamic customs are important and can sometimes clash with English style human rights laws and principles.  For instance, practices like child marri...
Learn More About Africa

Almond Milk Sweet Yam Pie

Image
Here at the African Gourmet food forest as a proud yam farmer I’ve spent my life growing and harvesting the finest yams straight from Gods’ good earth.  It’s a special treat cooking with fresh yams as they are sweeter, richer, and carry the essence of the soil and sun. When you use fresh yams in your recipes, like our Almond Milk Sweet Yam Pie , you are tasting a sweet dessert dish but using the natural flavor and texture that only freshly harvested yams provide. Unlike canned yams that come packed in syrup and lose their naturalness during processing, fresh yams retain their vibrant wholesome flavor, nutrients, and velvety texture.  Fresh Yams are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them not only delicious but also nourishing.  When you bite into this sweet yam pie every mouthful carries the authenticity of farm-to-table goodness, a connection to the land, and the care that goes into growing these golden treasures. So roll up your sleeves, grab some fresh yams...
Learn More About Africa

African Proverbs and Folktale on Saying Thank You, Gratitude and Kindness

Image
A thankful heart is a magnet for miracles, attracting blessings from unseen realms. - African Proverb Chic African Culture Africa Factbook and The African Gourmet are dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of African cuisine and art across different African cultures. We deeply value your ongoing support over the years.  Discover interesting and enlightening facts about Africa and its 54 distinct and diverse countries, each with its unique challenges and inspiring stories. Immerse yourself in the richness of African culture, including food, recipes, news, photos, and travel. Learn about the 54 African countries, their people, tribes, and communities.  The river of blessings flows abundantly through the valley of gratitude. - African Proverb Thank You African Proverbs and Folktale One can repay the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind. A grateful heart is a wellspring of blessings, nourishing the soul and attracting abu...
Learn More About Africa