Getting started – Benoekie Challenge 2026

Benoekie National Baking Challenge 2026

The Challenge

The Benoekie National Baking Challenge 2026 is South Africa’s first national giant cookie competition, inspired by Yolandi Palmer’s Benoni koekie. Hosted by Benoekie NPC, this event invites communities and businesses to bake and sell giant Benoekies from donated ingredients to support urgent causes.

Proceeds are split equally between SADAG and Action Society, supporting mental health, suicide prevention, child protection and gender-based violence. The challenge unites towns, encourages collaboration, and gives national exposure to participants and sponsors, all while fostering conversation and community healing.

JOIN TODAY!

How to join in 5 easy steps:

Bake, Give, Win: Join the Benoekie Baking Challenge 2026

1. Click the pink JOIN button in the navigation bar and complete the application online
2. Pay R250 into the Benoekie account: Benoekie First National Bank Account Number: 63204853964
3. Send your proof of payment to benoekie@gmail.com
4. Once your payment has been confirmed, we will send you the Benoekie recipe.
5. Bake your Benoekie koekies and sell the pieces.

Then:
Split the money raised from the sale of your Benoekie koekie pieces 50/50 between Action Society and SADAG.

Please use the banking details below and send proof of payment to the respective beneficiaries, as well as to Benoekie.

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) – First National Bank, Wierda Valley Branch Code: 251255 Account Number: 59251150677. Send proof of payment to: accounts@anxiety.org.za
Action Society – First National Bank Branch Code: 250655 Account Number: 62854865121. Send proof of payment to: accounts@actionsociety.co.za

Once this is complete, you will qualify as a potential winner.

Two prize categories:
• Largest Benoekie
• Most Funds Raised

There are two winning categories in our first-ever Giant Cookie Competition. Winners will receive a cash prize to donate to any South African charity of their choice. Plus, their entire team – everyone involved – will be featured on our website and social media channels. And best of all, they’ll hold the title of winners of the very first Giant Cookie Competition.

About the Benoekie:
Benoekies are made by baking segments, assembling them together, and finishing with royal icing.

Who Can Enter?
Anyone! We welcome towns, communities, schools, businesses, churches, groups, and families.

Entry Requirements

• One team leader per entry
• All ingredients must be donated or sourced from your community
• Please send proof of payment (R250) to benoekie@gmail.com Once received, we’ll email you the official recipe and guidelines to use
• Capture your baking journey with photos or videos
• Use the official Benoekie recipe when baking your Benoekie kokie
• Submit proof (photos, videos, donation receipts) by 30 November 2026
• Multiple entries are welcome—just submit a separate application and R250 fee for each entry.

Judging Criteria:
• Benoekie size and amount donated
• Community spirit and town involvement.

Key Dates:
• Competition: 1 June – 30 November 2026
• Winners announced: December 2026.

Frequently asked questions

General Information

• What is a “Benoekie”? A Benoekie (Benoni koekie) is a giant cookie baked in segments, arranged side-by-side, and coated with royal icing. It serves as the centerpiece for this national unity and fundraising movement. This challenge/competition gives everyone the opportunity to make their own in teams in their own towns.
• All details will be available on the website. You can access the recipe once your application and application fee are submitted.
• What causes does this challenge support? The initiative raises awareness and funds for mental health/suicide, child protection, trauma support, gender-based violence (GBV).
• Which organizations are the beneficiaries? Funds are donated to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and Action Society.

Participation and Entry

• Who can start a team? Anyone! You only need one person to start a team in a town, community, school, church, or business.
• How much does it cost to enter? The application fee is R250 per Benoekie.
• Do we need to create our own recipe? No, a specific recipe is provided once you have applied.
• Where do we get the ingredients? All ingredients must be donated, sourced from the community or from your own purchase.
• If you want to make history, get a team together and complete the application. Decide on the size of your Benoekie, what you’ll need, and how and where you’ll sell pieces of the cookie to raise funds.

The Baking Process & Logistics

• How is a “giant” cookie actually baked? Because of the size, Benoekies are baked in smaller segments first. These are then laid out together and covered in royal icing to create one massive cookie.
• What are the requirements during the challenge? Teams must have one designated leader and are encouraged to document their entire journey through photos and videos.
• What is the current record to beat? The current record is 5.4m x 3.0m, set by Yolandi Palmer and volunteers in Benoni in 2024.

Winning and Fundraising

How are the winners chosen? There are two main winning categories:
1. Biggest Benoekie (by size).
2. Most funds collected/donated. Judging also considers town representation and community spirit.
• What do the winners receive? Winners receive “bragging rights,” features on the official website and social media, and a cash prize that the team can donate to any cause of their choice across South Africa.
• When will the winners be announced? Winners for the current challenge will be announced in December 2026.
• How do we handle the money we raise? The application holder is responsible for collecting all funds from the sale of the Benoekie. These funds must be donated equally to the two official beneficiaries, and a Proof of Payment (POP) must be sent to the beneficiaries and benoekie@gmail.com

Sponsorship

• What do corporate sponsors get in return? Sponsors receive national exposure via the website and media, brand association with social impact, and visibility across multiple towns nationwide.

Leftover Benoekie

All leftover Benoekie, after sales have been made, are packed up and given back to the community to help feed those in need.

Our Beneficiaries

This initiative supports and raises awareness for mental health, suicide prevention, gender-based violence and child protection. Benoekie will contribute all funds raised, split equally between SADAG and Action Society. The event aims to spark conversation, promote shared responsibility, and foster community healing. Find out more about how you can help these two worthy causes.