Catering in SA goes from a R50/head office lunch to a R1,500/head wedding, and everything in between. The right caterer matches your event, your guests, and your budget without surprises on invoice day.
What catering covers
- Weddings and big events (full-service with serving staff)
- Corporate lunches, conferences, year-end functions
- Private dinners and braais
- Funerals and memorials
- Drop-off catering (delivery only, no service)
- Spit braai and on-site cooking
- Halal, Kosher, vegan, and dietary-specific catering
What catering costs in South Africa (2026)
Drop-off catering for offices R85-R220 per person. Buffet weddings R450-R900 per person; plated dinners R650-R1,400 per person. Spit braai with sides R380-R750 per person. Corporate cocktail R250-R500 per person for 2 hours. Most caterers add 10-15% gratuity for service staff and have a minimum-numbers contract. Always confirm: dietary options, transport, equipment hire (chafing dishes, glassware), and breakages policy.
What to look for
- Tasting menu offered for big events.
- Health certificate on the kitchen.
- Detailed quote — food, service, transport, equipment all line items.
- Reviews mentioning timing reliability — late food at a wedding is unfixable.
Handi-za caterers list cuisines, group sizes, and reviews from real events. Post your event details (numbers, date, dietary, venue) and quotes come back targeted.