De Rust is set to come alive on Saturday, 4 July 2026, when the town hosts its first community potjiekos competition. The initiative, organised by local resident Dr André Hattingh, from Pediatric Care Africa, promises to be much more than just a cooking competition. The event aims to bring residents together, strengthen community spirit and give back to some of the town’s older residents.
The competition will take place at the church grounds in front of the hall, where participants may start preparing their potjies from 10:00 if cooking on open wood fires. There is no entry fee, and participants are free to prepare any style of potjiekos they choose. According to the rules, each participant must prepare enough food for tasting portions for the four judges, as well as four additional full adult servings.
After judging, these meals will be distributed to residents over the age of 50 in De Rust as part of the “Share a Potjie” initiative.
Organisers say participants may choose which neighbours or friends they would like to bless with a meal, while volunteers will also assist with deliveries to elderly residents unable to collect their food in person. Judging will begin at 16:00 and will be conducted by four judges.
The winner will receive the newly introduced “De Rust Potjie Master’s Trophy”, along with what organisers describe as “ultimate bragging rights” and local fame through social media and newspaper coverage. The prize-giving ceremony will take place at 18:00 at Hotel De Rust. Organisers hope the competition will become an annual event on the town’s social calendar.
“The idea is to show a little love and care to our neighbours while creating a social community event for everyone in De Rust,” organisers said. “Times are tough for many people, and this is a way to bring the community together.”
The only people jokingly barred from entering are “three-star Michelin chefs” — everyone else is welcome to show off their potjiekos skills.
Residents interested in participating can contact André on 072 997 8041 to reserve a cooking space and receive enrolment forms and competition guidelines. (ANGELIQUE ERASMUS)
First Potjiekos Competition for De Rust
