What began as a family-run pop-up became one of the festival’s standout food traders, serving Fire Starters from over 55 countries. The Wing Republic distinguished themselves through consistently high food quality, efficient and welcoming service, environmentally conscious packaging, and a well-executed, festival-ready stall. They placed in the top three for both highest-grossing food stalls and health, hygiene and safety standards, as assessed by our independent inspectors. This strong overall performance earned them the Culinary Trailblazer Award, along with a complimentary stall at MTN Bushfire 2026.
We sat down with The Wing Republic to learn more about their journey, creative approach, and what this recognition means for their future.
THE STORY BEHIND THE WINGS
Tell us about your brand. What inspired you to start it, and what makes it unique?
The Wing Republic is a chicken wing specialist born from a deep love for bold, flavorful food and family collaboration. Founded by myself and my mother, it started as a humble pop-up in Johannesburg in 2014 and has grown into vibrant spots in Braamfontein.
What inspired us was perfecting the art of wings—grilled or buffalo-style—with unique sauces that pack a punch of South African flair and international twists. Wings are the star, prepared fresh with high-quality ingredients, offering a fun, laid-back vibe perfect for chilling with friends over great food and drinks.
How would you describe your experience trading at MTN Bushfire 2025?
Electrifying! The energy of the diverse crowd, the incredible music lineup, and the vibrant atmosphere in the Malkerns Valley made it unforgettable. Serving our wings to festival-goers from over 55 countries felt like sharing a piece of South African soul amid global fusion. The crowds were enthusiastic, the vibes were high, and it was rewarding to fuel the Fire Starters with tasty, satisfying meals throughout the weekend.
As a 2025 award winner, what does this recognition mean for you?
Winning this award is a huge honor and validates our journey from humble beginnings to bringing our fire to one of Africa’s premier festivals. For The Wing Republic, it means greater visibility, inspiration to keep innovating, and a boost in confidence as we continue growing our brand while aligning with Bushfire’s values of social responsibility and creativity.
WHAT SET THEM APART
What made your stall stand out this year?
Our stall stood out with bold, eye-catching design featuring fiery Bushfire-specific branding—vibrant black and white, fun signage, and an open setup that invited interaction. Product quality was key: fresh, perfectly cooked wings with our signature sauces offering a mix of heat levels and flavors. We engaged customers with friendly banter and quick service, creating a lively, welcoming spot where people could grab a quick, delicious bite and feel the excitement.
How do you ensure a memorable customer experience for the festival’s diverse attendees?
We prioritize warm, efficient service with a smile, training our team to be attentive and adaptable—from quick recommendations for spice-tolerant locals to milder options for international visitors. Clear menu displays, fast preparation to minimize waits, and personalized touches like chatting about sauce preferences made interactions fun and inclusive. Hygiene, professionalism, and genuine enthusiasm ensured every customer left happy and energized.
How did you express your creative identity through your products and stall design?
We expressed our creative identity through innovative wing flavors inspired by South African heritage with global twists—like peri-peri infusions and unique buffalo variations. The stall design was playful and thematic, with custom fiery graphics and interactive elements reflecting our brand’s bold, fun personality, blending street food creativity with festival spirit.
SUSTAINABILITY & SOCIAL IMPACT (#BRINGYOURFIRE)
How does your business contribute to positive change in your community?
The Wing Republic supports local employment—many of our team members are from surrounding communities in Eswatini. As a family-founded business, we empower young entrepreneurs and promote cultural exchange through food that celebrates South African flavors. Economically, we source from local suppliers where possible, boosting small businesses and fostering community growth.
What steps did you take to reduce waste and adopt greener operations during the festival?
We fully aligned with Bushfire’s #GREENYOURFIRE by using only biodegradable packaging and serviettes. We minimized waste through portion control, efficient prep to reduce leftovers, and proper sorting for on-site composting. No single-use plastics were used, and we encouraged customers to dispose responsibly, contributing to the festival’s high recycling rates.
What opportunities do you see for further improving your environmental practices?
Moving forward, we see opportunities to source even more sustainable ingredients, like free-range chicken from eco-conscious farms, and explore reusable serving options for regular operations. We’d love to implement zero-waste initiatives back home and partner with more green suppliers to reduce our overall footprint year-round.
How do you incorporate local craftsmanship and community partnerships into your business?
We partner with local South African suppliers for fresh chicken and ingredients, supporting farmers and small producers. Our sauces feature locally grown spices, and we collaborate with community artisans for branding elements. This keeps our business rooted in local entrepreneurship and ethical sourcing.
GROWTH & LESSONS LEARNED
What have been your biggest learnings from participating in MTN Bushfire?
Our biggest learnings include adapting to high-volume, diverse crowds efficiently, the importance of sustainability in operations, and how creative presentation drives engagement. We also gained insights into festival logistics and customer flow that will refine our everyday business.
In what ways has trading at MTN Bushfire helped you grow?
Professionally, it expanded our network and sales reach. Creatively, experimenting with festival-exclusive flavors sparked new menu ideas. Personally, the inclusive, passionate atmosphere reinforced our love for what we do and motivated us to bring more fire to our brand.
What advice would you give to a new trader entering their first MTN Bushfire?
Prepare for high energy and volume—stock well and train your team for speed and smiles. Embrace sustainability fully; it enhances your appeal. Engage with the crowd, align with #BRINGYOURFIRE, and be flexible. Most importantly, enjoy the experience—it’s transformative!
LOOKING AHEAD
What’s next for The Wing Republic?
We’re excited to expand with potential new locations, introduce innovative wing flavors inspired by Bushfire’s global vibes, and launch eco-friendly menu options. Goals include growing our team, enhancing online delivery, and participating in more events to share our wings wider.
How will you continue to ‘Bring Your Fire’?
We’ll continue bringing our fire by igniting passion through bold flavors, committing to sustainable practices, fostering community through local sourcing and jobs, and inspiring creativity in every bite—making positive impacts one wing at a time.
Any final thoughts on your Bushfire 2025 journey?
Thank you, MTN Bushfire, for an incredible platform that celebrates diversity and change. Being part of this magical festival reaffirmed our belief in the power of food to connect people. We’re grateful for the memories, connections, and the award—here’s to more fire in the future! #BRINGYOURFIRE
Congratulations to The Wing Republic on their well-deserved Culinary Trailblazer Award. We can’t wait to see them back at MTN Bushfire 2026!
