A potjie competition held at Pelham Primary School brought the local community together, with participants showcasing their outdoor cooking skills and competing for prizes. The event was the brainchild of local resident Jaco van der Walt, who was inspired by his love of outdoor cooking. The competition aimed to strengthen neighbourhood ties and support a local school, with proceeds from entry fees going towards the school.
The event was supported by Ward 36 councillor Douglas Roberts, who said the idea was born out of a desire to get Pelham residents more involved in community activities. Roberts noted that other areas in the ward already had initiatives bringing people together, and he wanted to create a similar event in Pelham. The competition provided an opportunity for residents to connect while supporting a school that serves children from different parts of the community.
Councillor Roberts hopes to make the competition an annual event, creating a chance for residents to come together and support the school. He said sponsors provided prizes for the winning potjies, while entry fees collected from participants went to the school. The event was also an opportunity for van der Walt to share his passion for cooking, which has been part of his life for decades.
Van der Walt's love for cooking sparked the idea for the competition, which he hopes will become a regular event. He said Pelham Primary was chosen as the venue after the school offered its facilities, and it was agreed that the profits would go towards maintaining the school's property. The event brought out the competitive spirit among participants, but the focus was on more than just preparing a pot of food.
Judge Jonathan Capazorio said the competition was looking for great potjies, good flavour, and happy faces. The Hayfields Seniors Club emerged as the winners of the competition. Pelham Primary School principal Nishan Haridass said the initiative was about more than just raising money, but about bringing people together and creating a community vibe.
Haridass noted that the funds raised would help grow the initiative into a bigger and better community event in the future. The event provided an opportunity for residents to connect with each other and with the school, which serves children from different parts of the community. The competition was a success, with participants and spectators alike enjoying the food and the company.
The potjie competition was a testament to the power of community events to bring people together and support local causes. The event was a success, and it is hoped that it will become an annual occurrence, providing a chance for residents to come together and support the school. The competition also highlighted the importance of community involvement and the impact it can have on local schools and residents.
Key points
- The potjie competition was held at Pelham Primary School and supported by Ward 36 councillor Douglas Roberts.
- The event aimed to strengthen neighbourhood ties and support a local school, with proceeds from entry fees going towards the school.
- The Hayfields Seniors Club emerged as the winners of the competition.
