Nandos griller Tiyelo Molobela from Nelspruit declared the best in South Africa at fierce grilling competition

By Edward Tsumele, CITYLIFE/ARTS Editor

On several occasions I have often casually driven past the famous Nandos Kitchen. Not even giving the place a second glance, and yet this is a place where the chicken that most people love from around the world is conceptualized, its menu designed and its marketing brainstormed by the brains behind this internationally reputable chicken brand. Many will attest to the fact that when it comes to the culinary art, or science for that matter, Nandos stands out, and the fact that its chicken outlets number 1000 situated in some of the biggest cities of the world as well as small towns is evidence enough to say that the people behind this brand know their act.

And therefore, when I was invited to go there and witness the people behind the grill, the grillers, the best of the best selected from several outlets in the country, for a grilling competition, on Wednesday, last week, I readily agreed. In fact, I was full of anticipation and looked forward to the event. After all, who would not want to witness how the famous chicken is grilled in this expansive place that is the Nandos Kitchen in Lorentzville, East of Johannesburg. And therefore, off with my two mates we went. And for guessing the fact that the pull fact was not just witnessing the grilling, but more, you will not win prizes, that I can assure you.

Not only did we witness the grilling process and the loud supporters, who jostled for space in support for their respective team, but we were able to savour the well-designed space that forms the Nandos Campus, especially their green garden.

The competition among the grillers was fierce and so was the shouting by supporters wishing their team to walk away with the prize at stake. The chicken rans is clearly proud of their grillers and their culinary exploits. It is understandable.

 “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 fueled 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 brands states.

However, at the end there has to be one winner.

 The 2025 winner of the South African Nando’s Grillers’ Challenge is TiyeloMolobela from Nando’s Nelspruit in Mbombela. He will represent South Africa at the international finals in Scotland this September.

Complete list of winners:

·        4th place: ElelwaniNekkhavhambe 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

The judges this year were the following:

·        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