Endaweni Shisa Nyama from Vosloorus in the East Rand, walked away with a cool R155 000 having outwitted other ten contestants from all over the country.
The finals were held at Chilleks-Walmer Township, Port Elizabeth last Saturday.
Despite windy and overcast weather throngs of people came in large numbers.
Chilleks was the 2013 winner.
The second place went to Vaal Monate Shisa Nyama-Vaal who pocketed R50 000 and third place went to Mveza Sisha Nyama who received R30 000.
“Eish, we finally made it, my man. As expected the challenge was (peri peri hot) from other contestants, says jubilant winners Neo Khoaripe and Mphayi Mdluli from Endaweni Shisa Nyama.
“We did more than others, hence we won. But if truth be told, all of other guys deserve the win as well, although the judges had to select one winner which is us. “We’re going to invest into our business since we’re hosting next year and also equip our staff with skills,” they both agreed, after being asked how they were going to use their winning lot.
The competition started in 2011, as a way of appreciating how locals enjoy their meat braais, Nandos saw it fit to modernise and professionalise Shisa Nyama project by taking it to another level.
This, according to Nandos, would help to increase the economical benefits for the Shisa Nyama owners and substantially elevate the footprint of Nandos brand.
“Ours is to engage and lend an ear, hence the success this year of Nandos Shisa Nyama,” commented Thabang Butelezi, national marketing manager Nandos Groceries.
“Every business is about profit but beyond that, we are compelled to give back to our communities and this project is one of them. We make our people shine through such initiatives and for us this is the bottom line,” continued Butelezi, who got engaged recently.
The finale was graced by former Bucs, Downs and SuperSport striker Sbusiso “Rhee” Zuma, who flew in from the funeral of former teammate Senzo Meyiwa.
“May His Soul rest in Peace. He was such a jolly person and didn’t deserve to die the way it happened,” he said on the sidelines.
Next year’s finals will be held in Gauteng.
* Sydney Morweng was a guest of Nandos Groceries SA.
