Get ready for a day of delicious food, vibrant community spirit, and impactful philanthropy as the Nicarela Charity hosts its Annual Potjiekos Competition on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at George Hay Park in Parkview. This beloved event isn't just a contest of culinary skill; it's a powerful fundraising initiative designed to transform lives across Johannesburg.
This much-loved community event blends food, fun, and philanthropy, with all proceeds going to support vulnerable communities across Johannesburg. From funding safe housing for women and children to providing university bursaries and emergency food parcels, every potjie cooked helps change lives. Last year, Nicarela raised nearly R300,000, and in 2025, it hopes to double that impact. “We’ve been blown away by the response this year,” says Nicarela chairman, Daneel Jordaan.
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Come hungry
The aroma of over 40 community teams cooking traditional potjiekos dishes over open fires will fill George Hay Park starting at 9:30 AM. By noon, these flavorful creations will be ready for public tasting. For just R100 per plate, served with your choice of rice or pap, guests can indulge in a diverse array of options including lamb, chicken, beef, seafood, vegetarian, and vegan potjies. Each dish is prepared with passion and flair, promising a truly authentic South African culinary experience.
Daneel notes the exciting variety the competition embraces, "We've even had a dessert pot one year." For him, the essence of a winning dish lies in its core: "It's all about the flavour and letting those flavours develop over time."
Expect a fun family day out
There’s more than food to look forward to. This family-friendly, pet-friendly event also features:
- A dedicated kids' zone with jumping castles
- A beer tent and chill zone for the grown-ups
- Live music and entertainment throughout the day
- A lucky draw with epic prizes
- Awards for Best Potjie and Best Decorated Stall
“It’s the best meal you’ll have in Johannesburg on that Sunday,” Daneel says with a smile, and we believe him. He also highlights a new addition this year to cater to all appetites: "We're actually doing a half portion size as well," allowing attendees to sample a wider variety of delicious potjies.
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Still time to enter and make a difference
Got a winning potjie recipe? Want to cook for a cause? There’s still time to register a team of four and bring your best flavours (and themed outfits) to the field. “People come to win,” says Daneel, “and it gets competitive!”
The judging panel, kept independent from the organisers, plays a crucial role in the event's growing competitive edge. This year's panel includes notable figures such as Ebie du Toit, the head chef of the Pot Luck Club Johannesburg, and media personality and foodie Nick Hammon, among others. With at least six judges meticulously scoring the numerous entries, the competition remains fierce.
If, like me, cooking’s not your thing, just pitch up, dig in, and show your support. Whether you're cooking, tasting, or simply showing up, every action at the Nicarela Potjiekos Competition helps stir up hope. All proceeds from the event go directly to Nicarela’s vital work. "Literally every cent we make goes back to the charities we support," Daneel affirms. This support includes:
- Supporting care homes for abused women and children.
- Providing educational bursaries for deserving students, helping them access higher education.
- Running food security programs in under-resourced areas, delivering essential nourishment.
If you can't attend but still wish to contribute, you can donate or sponsor a plate by visiting www.nicarela.org or following @Nicarela_Charity for ongoing updates. Your support, in any form, can help transform lives in Johannesburg's most vulnerable communities.
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