Coastal family scoops stops in boerewors competition
The well-known Shoprite & Checkers Namibian Champion Boerewors Competition, a showcase of true boerewors-making skills, recently concluded, leaving Namibians inspired by the talent and accomplishments of our nation’s finest.In an exclusive interview with winner, Michelle Erasmus, she shared the journey that led to her victory. With determination as her compass and resilience as her guide, she navigated challenges and honed her skills, ultimately scooping first place in this popular competition.
Michelle says passion and dedication led her to the top of this prestigious culinary competition.
“It’s a family-friendly event that my in-laws take part in every year, so when I moved to Swakopmund, I joined the tradition and took the plunge. Never did I think I would eventually be announced as the winner.
“Everyone knows Namibians never pass up an opportunity for a braai, and that gave me ample opportunity to test my recipe and make the necessary changes,” she says.
Michelle took home N$150 000 worth of shopping vouchers from Shoprite and Checkers but says she plans to pledge some of this to the less fortunate.
“As a newlywed with a baby on the way and trying to build a life in a new place, this has given my husband and me a much-needed boost. The economic climate is hard on all of us. Most of us live from pay cheque to pay cheque, but if we plan this right, we could make this work for us to put some space between us and the end of the month for good,” she says.
Michelle says she pledged at least 10% towards feeding hungry people and animals.
She says her mom has taught her “jy kan nie met ’n toe hand ontvang nie”, meaning if you don’t give, you won’t receive either.
“I need to share this blessing, which, honestly, will be my favourite part. The next thing is to stock up on baby products, so our baby can have the best possible start in life.”
Michelle says the Shoprite & Checkers Namibian Champion Boerewors Competition “is about as inclusive as they get”.
“No matter who you are or how much you know, if you have taste buds and willing taste testers, you’re as close to winning as anyone, so I’d encourage anyone who’s been thinking of entering to just take that leap and enjoy hanging out around the fire.”
Keeping it in the family
Coincidentally, the second place in this year’s competition went to Michelle’s father-in-law, Dieter Erasmus, who took home N$100 000 worth of shopping vouchers from Shoprite and Checkers.
“Working with meat is a great passion of mine, and how lucky can one be to have this as a full-time job? I’ve been employed with Shoprite & Checkers in the meat markets for 23 years now,” he says.
Dieter says the secret to the perfect, traditional boerewors recipe is to have the right combination of meat and spices for the best flavour and the juiciest wors.
The competition taught him to persevere and keep trying “until you get second place” he says.
“The N$100 000 gift vouchers will certainly change my family’s life. A nice piece of rump steak and a lekker piece of Champion Boerewors will be on my shopping list at least once a week.”
Dieter says he wants to re-enter next year, to not “lose out on the excitement and socialising with the other participants”.
Third place went to Andreas Haikali, a young Namibian who says he has a great love for cooking.
“I entered the competition for the chance to showcase my culinary skills because I know that by competing in a cooking competition of this magnitude, I would ultimately gain the recognition I think I deserve.
“It was exciting when I received a phone call from Nova FM to say I was one of the winners. I was shocked. I’ve participated in this competition since 2021, and I’m always among the top 15. Winning third place was the cherry on top. I want to enter again next year and try to snatch that first place. I will take part until I win,” he says.
As the curtains fall on the Shoprite & Checkers Namibian Champion Boerewors Competition of 2023, we are left with an appreciation for the talent that has graced this esteemed competition. From the pursuit of excellence to the display of ingenuity, each participant has left a mark on Namibia's ever-evolving boerewors landscape.
Sanet Prinsloo, who has been hosting the competition alongside NamChefs since its inception, says: “The camaraderie showcased throughout the competition is a testament to the potential our nation has.
“As we eagerly await the next chapter of this competition, we congratulate all the winners and participants. They truly epitomise being a Namibian champion.”
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