If you’re looking for a place to enjoy delicious PERi-PERi chicken and admire stunning Southern African art, look no further than Nando’s Silverlakes Drive-Thru (DT). This fresh joint,  located at the intersection of Solomon Mahlangu Drive and Stellenberg Road  in Pretoria, is more than just a dining spot; it’s a destination that celebrates the diversity and richness of our Southern African culture.

A Taste of Art and Flavour

At Nando’s Silverlakes DT, you can indulge in the famous PERi-PERi chicken and enjoy the captivating art pieces that tell unique stories. The restaurant celebrates works by local designers such as Glorinah Mabaso and artist Xolile Mtakatya, who have contributed to the restaurant’s artistic tapestry. Nando’s Silverlakes reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting Southern African art, design and culture, which showcases patterning from some of Nando’s Hot Young Designers and artworks selected from the art collection, which boasts over 26,000 contemporary art pieces displayed in Nando’s restaurants around the country and the world.

Nando's Emerging Artist of the Year Finalist, Gemma Fassie, captivated the audience as the headline performer during the Silverlakes casa launch on 28 September 28. This spotlight on Gemma highlights Nando's unwavering dedication to fostering the growth of emerging South African musical talent.

Gemma's music defies easy categorisation; she revels in exploring various genres, from amapiano and Afro to gospel, R&B, soul, and jazz. Her genre-fluid approach reflects her creative spirit and her desire to connect with a diverse audience. She is a talented young singer, songwriter, content creator, and occasional model who says that music has always been a part of her life. "My music speaks to who I am and also heals my inner child," she says.

"Whether I was at church, school, after school, or with my friends and family... there was always music. Music brings people together. I feel like that's where my love for it started – because of how it brought my family together, brought my community together, and just seeing how receptive people were to music, especially when I would perform, even at the age of six," she says.

A Space for Creativity and Collaboration

Nando’s Silverlakes DT is not only an art-filled space, but also a hub for creativity. Nando’s has partnered with the Spier Arts Trust to source art that enhances the dining experience for its guests and transforms the lives of artists. Collaboration with Clout SA has resulted in bespoke elements such as lighting, furniture, and finishes creating a cosy and elegant ambience.

The Silverlakes team also worked with Proportion, a leading interior design agency that combines artistry, innovation, and luxury in its creative solutions.  Tuami Zulu from Proportion describes the build as an architectural phenomenon that was inspired by the beauty of the African Tribal scarification. The design style mimics is a long-used technique for body art that includes intentionally scarring the skin to produce elaborate patterns and designs. This custom has tremendous cultural and social value and is deeply ingrained in African society.

Meet the Artists and Designers

Glorinah Mabaso, a Pretoria-based designer, has infused the restaurant with a distinctly South African vibe. Her enchanting patterns reflect the vibrant tapestry of Southern African culture.

Xolile Mtakatya, a former youth activist and political detainee, brings his colourful art to Nando’s Silverlakes DT. His works capture everyday life with a focus on history, poetry, African legends, and gender politics.

Simon Venter, a self-taught artist, creates captivating portraits that capture the essence of his subjects. His work reflects his ambition to create art that is true to himself and engages viewers with the cultural landscape of South Africa.

Nando’s Silverlakes DT is more than a restaurant; it’s a celebration of art, culture, and gastronomy. Whether you’re a food lover or an art lover, Nando’s Silverlakes DT promises a unique dining experience. 

-- ENDS --

About Nando’s

From the humble beginnings of a single restaurant in Rosettenville in 1987, Nando’s has grown into the largest South African restaurant group to expand our borders. Nando’s is best known for its authentic PERi-PERi flame-grilled Chicken, which has captivated Guests the world over. Never fried, Guests can choose between a full, half, or quarter butterfly-cut Chicken. There are also burgers, pitas and a host of other mouth-watering options to choose from. Whether you like it Hot, Mild, or with Lemon and Herb, the taste of Nando’s is unmistakeable, and the brand is a firm favourite with South Africans and fans from further afield.

Hungry for more? Place an order on www.nandos.co.za, download the Nando’s app, or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.