Pretoria is home to the world champion Habenero chilli-eater and that's official, says Alberto Aura of the Mexican Embassy.
The hot competition was held this weekend at the Tshwane Market's yearly chilli festival, when Pretoria's heavyweight chilli eaters stepped out to tackle the fearsome Habanero.
Aura said: "The Habanero is a fearsome chilli and not for the meek and mild."
Twenty contestants sat down to devour as many as they could. With R3 000 in prize money up for grabs, the competition became red-hot.
The first casualties came after round three, when four hopeful champions stepped out of the ring to soothe their palates with yoghurt.
Current title-holder Johan Mieny, who last year managed 31 Habaneros, took a knock-out blow after 32 of the fiery little punches. "No more," he croaked.
Renate Kanousis of Alphen Park put on a brave face for the ladies, but after 16 Habaneros she threw in the towel.
Title of top woman Habanero-eater went to Sarie Delport, who demolished 39. "Never again," she whispered, waving frantically for a glass of milk.
With four contestants left, the heat got hotter and the Habaneros began taking their toll.
Rogers Munyai of Soshanguve, who had put on a brave face, collapsed at the prospect of eating his 42nd Habanero and was out of the contest. "Eish!" was all Munyai could splutter at the end.
Finally two heavyweights were left to slug it out, supported by an enthusiastic crowd. Neither contestant asked for, or expected, any quarter. Both struggled with the 50th chilli. With a world record looming, Marius Human just couldn't stomach another. "I'm outta here," he wheezed.
Survivor Johan Hattingh bravely devoured his last Habanero to claim the world record.