In a powerful showcase of unity and community engagement, the North-West university (NWU) proudly participated in Rocking the Vaal 2025, a lively, cultural and charitable event held at Emerald Casino Tsogo Sun on Saturday, 29 March.

The event, organised by the Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce (GTCOC) in collaboration with Emerald Casino Tsogo Sun and the Rotary Club of Vanderbijlpark, drew an enthusiastic crowd of more than 7 500 people and served as a testament to the Vaal community's unwavering resilience and togetherness.

Building on the success of previous years, this edition of Rocking the Vaal created a lasting impression by smashing three Guiness World Records in one weekend, and these records include:

· The largest serving of kebab meat, spanning to an incredible three kilometres

· The largest pot of maize porridge, weighing 2 334 kilograms

· The most people breaking bread, a new global record of 607, exceeding the previous record of 478 set in the United States of America in 2019.

This historic achievement electrified the atmosphere, transforming the Vaal into a stage of international recognition and collective pride. The NWU showed excellent support and involvement in the event with an impressive attendance of about 272 employees and students, as well as the installation of eleven vibrant exhibition stalls. Their attendance emphasised the NWU’s dedication to social impact and active community involvement.

Beyond entertainment and breaking records, Rocking the Vaal committed to supporting local charities by directing all event proceeds and donations toward community upliftment, including feeding programs, educational support and development projects in the Vaal Triangle. A remarkable 10 000 plates of food were donated to charitable organisations, cementing the event’s purpose-driven culture.

The sponsors played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the event, with their support highlighting their dedication to fostering stronger relationships within the community and build goodwill.

A stretch of kebab meat cooks on open flame during the record-breaking attempt.

Freshly grilled kebab on display before the official measurement.

The programme was filled with local and national talents.

The Guiness World Records certificates on display, marking the historic achievements of the event.

NWU staff and students came out in style showcasing institutional pride.