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South Africans go plant-based for Veganuary

10 Jan 2020

More than 14,000 South Africans have officially signed up to partake in this year's Veganuary campaign, joining 350,000 other people across more than 150 countries pledging to try veganism for the month of January.

South Africans go plant-based for Veganuary

The global campaign was started by UK non-profit organisation Veganuary in 2014, with participation more than doubling each year. Those signing up are driven to do so for a variety of different reasons, whether related to animal welfare, environmental concerns or dietary preferences.

The annual event encourages the public to kickstart their year by trialling a plant-based diet for the month – and beyond that if the lifestyle resonates with them.

After sign-up on www.veganuary.com/register, participants receive a 31-day email series with information on health, lifestyle, how to shop as a vegan, restaurants, cosmetics, workshops, events, and recipes. This is supplemented with social media content – including a Facebook support group – and a website filled with supportive resources.

In 2019, South Africa had the fifth-highest number of signs ups to Veganuary, with Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban all appearing in the top 20 cities – at number 3, 4 and 14 respectively. This generates little surprise, if judged only by the influx of plant-based options on retail shelves and in restaurants in SA’s main cities.

#WorldFoodDay: The move to veganism in South Africa

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Awareness and support

According to Veganuary, the campaign is focused on changing consumer behaviours and attitudes, while providing all the information and practical support required to make the transition to veganism as easy and as enjoyable as possible through the month.

As part of campaign efforts, Veganuary encourages brands, manufacturers and retailers to expand their plant-based options. Globally, more than 500 businesses took part in last year’s event and more than 200 plant-based products and menus were launched.

�� #Veganuary2020 is record-breaking and we're only just over one week in! ⁠�� Our target was 350,000 - yet already over 370,000 people have signed up to try vegan this month, from all over the world! �� There's still time to sign up - it's free! �� https://t.co/2ClixXQFq9 pic.twitter.com/7reDu4zL2N
— Veganuary (@veganuary) January 9, 2020

To generate awareness and encourage participation, Veganuary works with public personalities like celebrities, athletes, chefs, influencers and some brands. Local businesses on board this year include Pick n Pay, The Fry Family Food Co., Clover’s Good Hope Soy and Hudsons Burger Joint.

View this post on Instagram

What's for breakfast Chef Cola �� Vegan BBQ Soy Chunk Stew served with African Bread Chimodo (baked on open fire) This simple easy to make dish is one to try out for @weareveganuary 2020 you can have it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Recipe up soon �� What did you make today to kick of the @weareveganuary 2020 challenge. #brandambassador #ChefCola #veganuary #plantbased #africanveganonabudget #veganuary2020

A post shared by ChefCola (@africanveganonabudget) on Dec 31, 2019 at 11:27pm PST

Likewise, Southern African foodie Chef Cola, founder of African Vegan on a Budget and feeder of the all-female wildlife conservation unit Akashinga, is also supporting the event alongside Angelique Gerber Potgieter, a South African actress, wellness and beauty influencer, and wife to former Springbok player Jacques Potgieter.