Actuary’s winning formula for SA’s best boerewors

Dean De Sousa, a Johannesburg investment actuary, has been crowned South Africa's 2026 Championship Boerewors winner after a few unsuccessful attempts. The 33-year-old from Bryanston won the annual competition organized by Shoprite Checker's by focusing on the balance of flavors and texture in his recipe. De Sousa, who has a background in the meat industry, attributed his success to keeping the recipe simple and not overdoing the seasoning.

In boerewors-making, he advised that less is more, especially when it comes to adding spices such as nutmeg, cloves, and coriander. De Sousa's father Tony, who has worked in the meat industry for over three decades, played a significant role in shaping his love for boerewors. The champion recipe will become the official 2026 Championship Boerewors and can be purchased at Shoprite and Checkers stores nationwide from this month.

De Sousa cautioned that the biggest mistake when cooking boerewors is using too hot coals, which can burst the casing and remove the juices. He suggested cooking the meat over coals that allow your hand to stay comfortably in place for five to seven seconds before becoming uncomfortable. Additionally, he advised against drowning the boerewors in sauces after braaing, as it should be tasted for its authentic flavor first.