For the Love of the Flame South Africa’s Best Griller Crowned at Nando’s National Grillers’ Challenge
Diana Kinyanjui 
At Nando’s headquarters in Lorentzville, Johannesburg, the phrase “It’s the people who make the chicken” is etched on the wall – and lived out in everything we do. It’s a reminder that the real magic behind our flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken lies with the people who bring it to life, from our restaurant teams to our support staff.
This spirit comes to life each year through a flagship event that’s at the very heart of Nando’s: the National Grillers’ Challenge. With over 1,200 restaurants across the globe, the competition kicks off at a regional level, where grillers battle it out to determine the very best in their area. Regional winners then advance to the national finals, and the ultimate champions go on to represent their country at the Nando’s International Grillers’ Challenge – hosted in a different country every year.
But this is about more than just titles and bragging rights. As our founders say, working at Nando’s isn’t just about serving chicken – it’s about having fun while doing it. We’re committed to creating a fired-up work experience that enables everyone to be their best selves. where passion, joy, and teamwork are celebrated alongside great food.
This year, after five fiercely contested regional competitions, 15 finalists from across South Africa made their way to Nando’s Central Kitchen in Johannesburg. They were welcomed with a lively street parade – complete with singing, dancing, ululating, and cheering lead by a team of superfans AKA Flame-Changers as well as other colleagues and supporters. Then came the main event: the ultimate grilling showdown.
There’s a uniquely South African spirit in these gatherings – rooted in ubuntu and a shared love for food and community. It’s a celebration of skill, pride, and the people behind the flame.
“Grillers’ Challenge is a celebration of the Art of the Grill,” says Mike Cathie, CEO Nando’s South Africa. “It’s about the passion that flows from our hearts to your plate – a reminder of what we love: chicken, the flame, fun; all fuelled by the spirit of Nando’s.”
The 4 finalists of this year’s National Grillers’ Challenge will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Scotland, where they’ll compete against grillers from over 20 countries in the international finals. In addition, they 1st place winner be awarded a R50,000 home makeover – a lasting gift that improves their life long after the competition ends.
The 2025 winner of the South African Nando’s Grillers’ Challenge is Tiyelo Molobela from Nando’s Nelspruit in Mbombela. He will represent South Africa at the international finals in Scotland this September.
It’s a celebration of flame, flavour, and the extraordinary people who make Nando’s what it is.
Additional information:
Winners:
· 4th place: Elelwani Nekkhavhambe from Nando’s Mall of Africa
· 3rd place: Mokadi Mashego from Nando’s Paledi Mall
· 2nd place: S’Thabile Khoza from Nando’s Chatsworth
· 1st place: Tiyelo from Molobela Nando’s Nelspruit
Judges:
· Pule Phakadi – Area Manager Northern Region and winner of the Restaurant Support Grillers Challenge
· Mike Cathie – Nando’s South Africa CEO
· Pascale Sobiecki – Head of Food
· Stephan Putter – Chief Operating Officer
· Chris Swanepoel – Restaurant Support Director
SALM TEAM 
Dj Chilu 
