An online crowdfunding campaign has been launched for SA food heritage doyenne Errieda du Toit after a devastating fall has left her facing a long and costly recovery.
South Africa (12 May 2026) – SA foodie doyenne Errieda du Toit – author of ten cookbooks, television personality, and one of the country’s champions of local food heritage – has sadly suffered a devastating fall that resulted in a fractured neck and a stroke.
“She has had to undergo two surgeries and spent many weeks in hospital and then in step-down facility. Although now at home, she still faces a long and difficult road to recovery and requires full-time assisted care and therapy.” shares Errieda’s friends, in a crowdfunding campaign created to generate support for du Toit.
Errieda faces a long road ahead, requiring a permanent carer, physiotherapy, psychiatric support, and ongoing medication.
Her monthly care costs currently run to around R23,000. With Errieda now unable to work in an industry she has championed for so long, and their medical aid covering only a portion of expenses, the financial strain on her husband Ian and their family has been enormous.
A group of friends has set up an online crowdfunding campaign ‘Kom ons help Errieda’ to help ease that pressure. In just four days, it has raised over R105,000 toward a R300,000 goal.
Errieda has spent decades preserving and promoting the country’s culinary traditions, with her ten published cookbooks being a record of that heritage.
On television, she appeared on MasterChef South Africa in 2012 essentially as a house mother to the contestants, and later on Kokkedoor: Vuur en Vlam and In Die Sop. She has also been passionate about giving back. After cooking for 144 children at the Durbanville Children’s Home, she rallied the team behind In Die Sop to renovate one of the home’s units, News24 reports. Seven others followed, inspired by du Toit’s initial intentions to do good.
She is someone who has given a great deal to South African food culture, to the communities she touched, and to the many people she mentored. The outpouring of love in her crowdfunding campaign reflects that. The many lives she has touched are stepping in for her.
“Without Errieda, the ICA Chef School would not be where we are today. We wish you a swift recovery.” wrote the Institute of Culinary Arts in their generous donation of support.
Related Stories
“My mentor — always an inspiration on my baking and cooking path. Love and light for you, Errieda.” wrote Franse Bakker.
“Thank you for all your 20-second hugs and the love you always give. Now it’s our turn to give you a 20-second hug back.” wrote Una.
If you’d also like to show your support for the local culinary legend in this difficult time, follow this link.
Jamie Drove Sick Stranger's Sandwich Route for Three Weeks to Save Their Small Business
Family's Urban Farm in Cape Town Will Make You Rethink Your Lifestyle!
by 
