South Africans Unite Over Braai and Pap to Celebrate Heritage Day

Date: 26 Sep 2025

Johannesburg, South Africa (26 September 2025) — Loftus Versfeld Stadium was buzzing with unity and celebration this Heritage Day (24 September 2025) as South Africans united to set a new world record for the greatest number of people braaiing simultaneously. With 2,412 braai enthusiasts firing up their grills in unison, the event surpassed the 2023 record held by Japan of 2,220 participants, marking a historic moment for the nation.

Despite our rich and varied cultures, the one thing that brought everyone together was the love of a shared tradition: braai meat and pap.

As the official pap partner, White Star proudly contributed to the occasion by providing its signature white and fluffy pap, the perfect complement to the sizzling wors enjoyed by attendees. “White Star stands for togetherness and celebrating our roots through food,” said Jonita Cuff, Marketing Manager for White Star. “This record-breaking braai brought our values to life in the most memorable way.”

The event kicked off with a thrilling braai blitz, where competitors around hundreds of braai stations lit their fires and cooked together, creating an unparalleled public cooking spectacle. Each participant received a packet of braai wors, a portion of White Star pap for the braai, a branded apron, and a pair of tongs to take home as a memento.

With the aim to break the Guinness World Record held by Japan, South Africa fell short of this certification due to technicalities. Dylan Jardim from Big Save, one of the event organisers, stated that although the number surpassed the existing world record by 192 people, certain technicalities prevented official certification by Guinness World Records. South Africa will return in 2026 with even greater determination to celebrate our Heritage Day with the world.

Following the record-setting braai, the festival atmosphere carried on with star-studded live performances by Kurt Darren, Mi Casa, GoodLuck, Booshle G, and guest appearances by Somizi and Mpho Popps, keeping the crowd energized through the afternoon and evening.

Inside the White Star marquee, a highlight cook-off featured actor Zambani Mbatha and acclaimed performing artist Azana facing off under the energetic guidance of MC Malum Foodie, real name Tebogo Chami Moroke). The competition was fierce: Azana took the starter round with 41 points to Zamani’s 35, while the main course round ended in a tie with both artists scoring 51 points. Judges Lucia Mthiyane (@chefluciamthiyane), Keitumetsi Masitenyane (@keituthecolourfulcook), and Luyanda Mafanya (@cookingwithluyanda) praised the dishes for their aroma, presentation, and masterful use of pap, celebrating the culinary creativity on show.

The day also offered plenty for families and festivalgoers, including a dedicated adults-only beer garden, an assortment of food trucks, chill zones, and relaxation areas that made the whole event welcoming and fun for everyone.

White Star’s partnership helped make the Big Save World Record Braai Day an unforgettable occasion, celebrating community, culture, and South Africa’s rich culinary heritage through the joy of sharing traditional meals.

For more updates and to share your own #WorldRecordBraai experiences, follow White Star on Instagram and Facebook @whitestarsupermaizemeal.

For media enquiries, please contact:

OnPoint PR | Lungile Nyembe | lungile@onpointpr.co.za