When the fires are lit at this year's eThekwini Shisanyama Festival, it will not only be the meat sizzling on the grill.
For organiser Lunga Mkhize, the event is about creating opportunities for township businesses to thrive.
Mkhize, the owner of Metro Gents Shisanyama in Umlazi and the founder of the festival, said the idea started with a simple goal: to give local entrepreneurs a bigger stage.
"I felt that there was a gap in creating a platform where local entrepreneurs could come together, collaborate and create something bigger than their individual establishments," he said.
"I wanted the festival to give them exposure, create opportunities and, most importantly, give them hope and inspiration that we can achieve more when we work together. For me, it is about showing that what we do every day can become something much bigger for our businesses and our community."
Now in its second year, the festival returns to Durban on September 26 as part of Heritage Month. Marketed as the biggest braai in eThekwini, it promises smoke-filled grills, live music and some of the city's best township food.
For Mkhize, though, shisanyama is about far more than what ends up on the plate.
"I think shisanyama is important to Durban and KwaZulu-Natal because it represents more than just food. It represents our culture, community and a way of bringing people together," he said.
Visitors can expect the irresistible aroma of meat cooking over open flames as local vendors prepare everything from juicy steaks and beef cuts to lamb chops, pork, boerewors and other braai favourites.
Every plate can be paired with pap, braaibroodjies, chakalaka and traditional relishes, creating the kind of meal that is best enjoyed with friends gathered around a fire.
One of the businesses set to feed hungry festival goers is Wiseman Shisanyama, which has become one of the key food partners for this year's event.
Beyond the grills, Mkhize wants every business owner to leave with something that lasts long after the last piece of meat has been served.
"It is about giving them a platform to showcase what they do, reach new customers, generate income and build valuable connections. I hope that every business that takes part leaves with more exposure, more confidence and opportunities to grow beyond the festival."
His approach has been inspired by the late Mjay, who encouraged people to use their talents and ideas to build better futures.
"I learnt so much from Mjay. He believed in supporting people who were trying to better their lives, whether through their talents, businesses or ideas. I am carrying that legacy forward by collaborating with local businesses and entrepreneurs through this festival, giving them a platform and an opportunity to grow and be seen."
This year's edition is also bigger than the first, with more vendors, stronger partnerships and more opportunities for local creatives.
"The difference this year is that we have taken everything we learnt from last year and used it to build a much bigger and stronger festival," Mkhize said.
"We are creating jobs and more opportunities for local entrepreneurs, vendors and creatives to benefit from the platform. This year is really about growing the festival while making sure that the people around it grow with it too."
lutho.pasiya@nationalmg.co.za