CALITZDORP – Gielie Basson, a proud resident of Calitzdorp, has set his sights on breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous braai. He undertook the endeavor at his establishment, the Zamani Grill – fondly referred to as ‘The Smallest Bar’ on Route 62 – and aimed to surpass the current record of 80 hours by grilling for a whopping 84 hours straight.
Current Record
The current record, held since 27 April 2014 by Jan Greeff, a South African with joint American citizenship, was achieved in Columbus, Georgia, USA, to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Greeff grilled an assortment of 1000 hotdogs, 200 corn cobs, 104 chicken pieces, 558 burgers, and 526 slices of boerewors over three days.
Greater Good Cause
Basson, keen to promote his hometown and the magnificent Klein Karoo region, embarked on this grilling marathon at 5 am on Thursday, 21 September, aiming to conclude by 3 pm on 24 September.
Throughout this venture, he received a significant amount of support. The enthusiastic community of Calitzdorp provided him with a ‘Guinness World Record Survival Kit’, filled with essentials like crisps, energy drinks, chocolates, and firelighters.
Jan Braai Encouragement
National Braai Day's chief promoter, Jan Braai, extended his well wishes to Basson, emphasizing the importance of the braai in South African heritage.
Strict Rules
This quest isn't just for glory. The rules are strict: Basson must manage the braai solo. He can't use a folding grill, and the meat must be cooked perfectly – neither too raw nor overcooked. Continuous video recording of the entire event, totaling around 86 hours, is required for submission to the Guinness World Records as proof.
All Meat Donated
Furthermore, he can't sell the meat for profit. The initial batch of grilled delights is set to be donated to emergency workers in Calitzdorp, followed by contributions to Vygieshof, a local residential care home, and a soup kitchen in Bergsig.
Festive Twist
In a festive twist, Basson's establishment, the Zamani Grill, hosted live music throughout the attempt. The lineup included performances by Annarie, Liezl Fynbos, Marisca Rain, The Thunder, and Daan-Louis, ensuring guests had a memorable experience.
Another Attempt
Meanwhile, South African comedian Masood Boomgaard also recently took a shot at the longest braai marathon on National Heritage Day. Starting his braai on 24 September at 5 pm, Boomgaard continued his grilling endeavor until Monday morning, 28 September, after 81 hours.
His efforts and whether he successfully met the criteria are still under review by the Guinness World Record committee.
Hope to Gain Glory for South Africa's Braai
Both Basson's and Boomgaard's endeavors highlight the significance of the braai in South African culture, where it's more than just a method of cooking – it's a beloved tradition and a symbol of national pride. As both attempts await official confirmation, South Africans everywhere hope to see the title of the longest braai marathon come home.
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