Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan or line with baking paper.
In a large bowl, mix maize meal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir just until combined. If using, fold in corn kernels or creamed corn.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35–45 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with butter or as a side to stews and braais.