The chilli-eating competition stole the show at the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch’s well-attended sixth annual Potjie Competition on Saturday.

As the chillies climbed the Scoville scale, contestants dropped out one by one until only four of the original 12 remained. Etasha Pillay emerged victorious after outlasting the fiery field.

The event attracted its largest turnout to date, with Townsend Park pumping as residents, businesses and families came together for a day of food, entertainment and friendly competition, while raising funds for the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch’s community safety initiatives.

A total of 67 teams competed in the popular potjie cook-off. The Ballito Jimny Club claimed the Best Potjie title with an Asian pork dish, followed by Sotheby’s International Realty in second place and IPSS Search and Rescue in third.

Marshall Security enjoyed a successful day, taking top honours for Best Stand and Best Spirit. Mins Breakdown Service and Panel Beaters finished runner-up in the Best Stand category, while Morrows Attorneys were named runner-up for Best Spirit.

Funds raised from the annual event will help the neighbourhood watch maintain and expand its automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera network and support other crime prevention initiatives in the Ballito area.

Ballito Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Morné Steffens was thrilled with the turnout.

“I’d like to thank everyone who attended, as well as our volunteers and sponsors, for making this year’s Potjie Competition such a great success,” he said.

“The incredible support from the community allows us to continue investing in initiatives that help keep Ballito safe.”