Fundraiser Potjiekos Competition in Aid of the Blind

Capturing the Heart of Community: MBSDH Potjiekos Fundraiser 2025

On March 21, I had the honour of capturing a truly inspiring event hosted by the Mpumalanga Blind Skills Development Hub (MBSDH) — the annual Potjiekos Fundraiser held at Bush Baby Pub & Grill.

This day was more than just a culinary competition; it was a vibrant celebration of inclusion, talent, and community spirit.

As a photographer and videographer, I’m often behind the scenes, but this particular event pulled me into the heart of something powerful — a reminder of what can be achieved when a community rallies behind a meaningful cause.

A Flavourful Cause

The Potjiekos competition brought together five energetic teams, each with four members stirring their way to delicious, slow-cooked perfection.

What made this cook-off especially remarkable was that two teams included blind or visually impaired individuals, all of whom showcased independence, creativity, and skill in the kitchen.

It was a proud moment to witness and document — proof that accessibility and empowerment are not just ideals, but realities when people are given the opportunity.

Entertainment filled the day with joyful rhythm and emotional resonance.

A major highlight was the debut of the original “Potjiekos” song, written and performed by MBSDH’s very own visually impaired artists: Vuyani Dube, Thabang Ndlovu, and Sithembiso Mnguni.

Their performance had the entire venue singing along — a testament to the unifying power of music.If you haven’t seen the music video yet, I highly recommend checking it out: POTJIEKOS – MBSDH on YouTube.

Additional performances from Winnette Strydom and Quiniso Mabaso brought warmth and charisma to the atmosphere.

With Jannette Strydom as the MC, the event flowed seamlessly, and the audience stayed engaged from start to finish.

Purpose Beyond
the Plate

Beyond the entertainment and the mouthwatering aromas of potjiekos, the day also featured educational moments.

Francois Marais gave an eye-opening demonstration on assistive technology for the blind, while Richard Grannum spoke passionately about the value of guide dogs — underscoring the importance of support, awareness, and continued advocacy for people with visual impairments.

Making It Happen

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of Sibinjala, Breet Braai, MBSDH, and the generous team at Bush Baby Pub & Grill who hosted the event.

A special thanks goes to Zandre Pelser, who not only helped organise the day but also reminded us of a critical truth: with the right tools and trust, blind people can thrive independently.

For more information on special needs events, contact Zandré Pelser at 084 518 7737.

Making It Happen

As the person behind the lens, I aimed to document not just the activities, but the emotion and purpose behind every moment. Events like these are a reminder of why I do what I do — to tell stories that matter.

A Heartfelt Thank You to the Sponsors

No community event thrives without the generosity of those who believe in the cause. A sincere thank you goes out to all the sponsors and supporters who made this day possible. From providing ingredients and prizes to offering time, energy, and resources, your contributions helped turn this fundraiser into a celebration of ability, dignity, and togetherness.