Nando's names first Shisa Nyama Champion

L - R: Siyabulela Tandala (owner) and Vuisile Meko (manager) of Chilleks.

Represented by grill masters Vuyisile Meko, 35, and Lutho Mabindisa, 25, Chilleks not only walked away with the R25 000 main prize and the bragging rights to the best shisa nyama in the country - it will host next year's Shisa Nyama Challenge, with all expenses paid by Nando's.

Supported by Metro FM and Ikwekwezi FM, the inaugural Nando's Shisa Nyama Challenge attracted hundreds of shisa nyama-loving families. DJs Ganyani, DJ Nutty and Fistaz Mixwell spun the latest dance tunes, while children and their parents enjoyed riding the mechanical bull in the kiddies' play area.

Ten numbered platters of meat were presented to three judges in a blind judging session, which they then scored based on taste, presentation and best use of Nando's sauces.

"It's difficult to argue against a panel of judges that includes personalities such as Hilary Biller, Sunday Times food editor and chef; Llewy Mateza, owner of The Local Grill & chairman of the Meat Board and Mmatshipi Matebane from Nando's South Africa," says delighted Chilleks' owner, Siya Dandala.

"I can't even begin to explain the way I felt when it was announced that the Chilleks team had won, it was a very special moment for me and it also meant greater things to come for the business. Entering the competition was a lot of pressure, I must confess, as I had to represent the Eastern Cape. I am confident that winning the competition will pave the way to success for my business. I have put in so much money into making the restaurant what it is today and the cash prize will help expand the business.

"Ii is only two years since I started the business and we have been chosen to represent the province in a national competition and come out on top. I am also grateful for the R350 000 funding from ECDC which allowed me to buy stock and equipment to start the business. I had to renovate a dilapidated building and turn it into an entertainment spot."

"ECDC congratulates Dandala and his team for winning the championship. The achievement in itself shows great discipline and passion as an entrepreneur with his vision and dedication to succeed in business," says ECDC senior account manager Wayne Mahoney.

"The important lessons for other entrepreneurs are to go out there and make it happen. Look at opportunities to expand your business profile and grow your market share. Dandala is exactly doing this, and ECDC wishes him well in all future endeavours."

Competitors

The participating establishments included:

• Bahama Bar (KwaThema, Gauteng)
  
• Corner Fresh (Alexander, Gauteng)
  
• Endaweni (Vosloorus, Gauteng)
  
• Joe's Butchery (Alexander, Gauteng)
  
• KwaMax (Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal)
  
• Monateng Café (Sebokeng, Gauteng)
  
• Msiza Butchery (Tsakane, Gauteng)
  
• Mzoli's (Gugulethu Cape Town)
  
• Phillip's Place (Tembisa, Gauteng)
  
• Pulema (Daveyton, Gauteng)
  
• Roadhouse (Dobsonville, Gauteng)