School pride, sizzling braai fires and Heritage Month celebrations are set to collide as CapeGate Shopping Centre launches the CG School’s Boerie Braai Challenge, inviting high schools from Kraaifontein, Brackenfell and Durbanville to compete for a R20,000 cash prize.
Entries are officially open for what promises to be one of the area’s most exciting Heritage Month competitions. Four schools will earn the opportunity to showcase their creativity, community spirit and culinary flair during a live finale at CapeGate Shopping Centre on Saturday, 5 September 2026.
More than just a cooking competition, the challenge celebrates South African heritage by encouraging schools to tell a story through one of the country’s most iconic meals—the humble boerie roll.
A Braai Competition with School Spirit at Its Heart
The CG School’s Boerie Braai Challenge is designed to reward far more than great food.
Schools will be challenged to create a Heritage-inspired boerie roll packed with flavour, while also presenting a compelling story behind their recipe, designing an eye-catching stand and bringing enough school spirit to energise both judges and shoppers.
From secret family recipes to unique toppings inspired by local traditions, creativity will play a major role in determining which schools advance to the live competition.
R20,000 Grand Prize Up for Grabs
The winning school will receive R20,000 in cash from CapeGate Shopping Centre to support school initiatives and projects.
In addition to the grand prize, four category awards will recognise standout performances during the event.
Each winning school will receive a R2,500 CapeGate Gift Card in the following categories:
- Best Gees
- Best Looking Stand
- Best Taste
- Top Sales
The competition encourages schools to combine teamwork, entrepreneurship, creativity and community involvement while celebrating Heritage Month.
How Schools Can Enter
High schools interested in participating must submit their entries before Friday, 7 August 2026 at 23:59.
Each entry must include:
- A Heritage-inspired boerie roll recipe.
- The ingredients and inspiration behind the recipe.
- Team details.
- A concept for the competition stand.
- Plans for encouraging supporters to attend.
- The proposed selling price of the boerie roll.
- How the school would use the R20,000 prize if selected as the winner.
Entries should be emailed to:
marketing@capegatecentre.co.za
Only four schools will be selected to compete in the live finale.
A Celebration of Heritage, Community and Creativity
According to Zoë Enslin, Marketing Manager of CapeGate Shopping Centre, the competition is designed to celebrate the traditions that bring communities together.
“Heritage Month is a special time to celebrate the flavours, stories and spirit that bring our communities together, and this challenge gives schools a fun way to do exactly that. We are looking for ideas with heart, flavour and school pride. Whether it is a secret sauce, a family-inspired topping or a stand that gets the crowd cheering, we want to see what our local schools can bring to the braai.”
The live event will see participating schools cook, sell and present their signature boerie rolls to both the public and judges.
Cheer squads are encouraged to attend and support their schools throughout the competition, although supporters will not be permitted to assist with preparing or selling the boerie rolls during judging.
Important Competition Dates
Who can enter
High schools located in Kraaifontein, Brackenfell and Durbanville
Entries close
Friday, 7 August 2026 at 23:59
Selected schools announced
Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Live finale
Saturday, 5 September 2026
CapeGate Shopping Centre
Bringing Communities Together Through Heritage
The CG School’s Boerie Braai Challenge offers more than the opportunity to win prize money. It creates a platform for schools to celebrate local culture, showcase creativity, strengthen school pride and engage their communities through one of South Africa’s most loved traditions.
As Heritage Month approaches, CapeGate Shopping Centre is inviting local schools to gather their cooks, decorators, storytellers and biggest supporters for a competition where flavour, passion and community spirit will take centre stage.
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