Loftus Versfeld braai sets new Guinness World Record in spectacular style
images: Pretoria news ( IOL)
by Lwandiso Simanga
Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld Stadium became the heart of national pride on September 24, 2025, as more than 2,500 South Africans came together to set a new Guinness World Record for the most people braaiing simultaneously. The event, aptly named the Big Save World Record Braai Day, turned Heritage Day into a moment of unity, surpassing Japan’s 2023 record of 2,220 participants.
Festivities began at 10:00 AM with a synchronized five-minute braai, where participants grilled half a ton of meat across 420 custom-built stands. Armed with branded aprons, tongs, and boerewors, the braaiers filled the stadium with smoke and cheer as Guinness World Records adjudicators, assisted by stewards, oversaw the attempt. Official confirmation is expected soon, but the flawless execution left little doubt of South Africa’s achievement.
What began as a record attempt quickly evolved into a cultural festival. From midday to evening, Loftus Versfeld pulsed with live music from Mi Casa, GoodLuck, and Booshle G, alongside a lively beer garden, food trucks, and family zones. A celebrity cook-off featuring Zamani Mbatha and Azana brought extra flair to the White Star marquee, while thousands celebrated their heritage with food, music, and camaraderie.
The event’s impact stretched beyond celebration. Proceeds from ticket sales will support Trek4Mandela’s drive to deliver one million meals on World Food Day 2026, tackling food insecurity and period poverty.
For Big Save, the driving force behind the day, the record was the culmination of a two-year vision. Marketing head Dylan Jardim described it as both a brand milestone and a powerful symbol of unity: “We wanted to bring South Africa together on a global stage and we did.”
As the braai fires dimmed and the music faded, Loftus Versfeld stood as proof of South Africa’s resilience, generosity, and love for tradition. This Heritage Day will be remembered not only as a record-breaking triumph, but as a celebration of community in its truest form.