Peter Veldsman, a renowned top chef and author, passed away at the age of 82 on 16 April 2024.
Veldsman inspired South Africans for several decades. He worked for nearly two decades as a food journalist for the Sarie publication.
“My heart is broken because a South African icon with so much knowledge is gone,”Herman Lensing, Sarie’s food editor, wrote on Facebook.
“Thank you, Peter, for the expertise that you shared. There was only one of you and your place at the South African table is empty now.”
Throughout his career, Veldsman published several recipe books, including Kos van die eeu, Happies, Seekos-banket, ‘n Mondvol lekker and Teetydtreffers.
As per Maroela Media, he also established the first cordon bleu chef school in South Africa and served as chairman of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and The Culinary Circle of South Africa.
“Peter Veldsman was a son of Ladismith and Kannaland who studied and travelled widely but never forgot his roots,” says Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais.
“He combined his knowledge of tradition, engendered by his grandmother, mother and aunts, with the best and latest the culinary world had to offer. He was at the nexus where food, culture and language met.”
“From 1975, his contributions to Afrikaans cooking terms as magazine food editor and radio presenter left an indelible impression on generations of readers and listeners.”
“I am deeply saddened by his passing and send my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Article written by Ilze-Mari Van Zyl for Cape Town Etc.
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Feature Image: @Beeld / Lulama Zenzile / Gallo Images
