Chef Katlego Mlambo, one of the judges on the previous season of MasterChef South Africa, is undeniably a wizard in the kitchen. So, when he stepped onto the pressure-cooker set of Deal or No Deal Celebrity’s second season, his strategy was, figuratively speaking, to use his exceptional culinary skills to cook up a substantial money meal for the charity organisation Jumping Kids.
His plan: to fry, braise, and boil the show’s mysterious banker!
However, as every contestant in this nerve-wracking game of chance will attest, beating the banker is no easy task. It all depends on the briefcase they choose as their bargaining chip and the order in which they decide to eliminate the remaining briefcases held by the show’s stunning Money Models. These risky decisions could mean earning anything between R1 and R250,000.
Still, after almost burning his hopes of winning big to a crisp, Chef Katlego managed to strike a deal of R60,000 with the banker.
This means that within its first month of Deal or No Deal Celebrity returning to our screens, the money pot benefiting Jumping Kids now contains R195,520. Previously, Uzalo actress Thuthuka Mthembu contributed R61,300, after which comedian Tol Ass Mo added R21,000 and radio star and businessman DJ Loyd R53,220.
In the first season of Deal or No Deal Celebrity, 52 famous faces raised over R2.2 million for 40 causes close to their hearts. This season, the deal with the banker is slightly different but more beneficial for the charities. Instead of possibly receiving a low amount depending on how Lady Luck smiles upon them, a succession of stars plays for the same worthy cause over 13 weeks, after which a different charity receives the donations.
Jumping Kids, the first charity on the Season 2 schedule, supports children from previously disadvantaged communities who live with lower limb amputations or deficiencies. Therefore, his non-profit company provides access to quality prosthetic devices, rehabilitative care, and mainstream education and sports participation opportunities. Many of these kids have represented the country – and won medals – at international Para Athletics Championships.
In an Instagram post, Chef Katlego expressed his excitement about winning R60,000 for such an incredible non-profit organisation on Deal or No Deal Celebrity.
“[Jumping kids ensures] sports enthusiasts (kids) who have lower limb amputees are educated and given the freedom to move and be mobile. For me, being a chef and actually being on my feet for 16 to 18 hours of the day, our mobility plays such an important role.”
While facing a tough time on the show, Chef Katlego also shared some wise words about his tumultuous gameplay and life in general: “It’s not how you start, it’s how you end.”
After choosing briefcase number 18 to take on the banker, his first round of eliminating the remaining briefcases was disastrous. In that initial round, the chef eliminated some of the biggest amounts on the show’s Money Tree, including the second-highest amount of R150,000. In subsequent rounds, he struggled to get rid of the lowest figures, but luckily still had the R250,000 in play. Then, losing the jackpot prize of R250,000 also put him in a difficult position. However, his determination to add as much money as possible to the Jumping Kids Prosthetic fund inspired him to persist, even rejecting a generous offer from the banker when R100, R250, and R100,000 remained on the Money Tree. His resolve paid off, and he ultimately beat the banker with the right decision. When it came down to the R100 and R100,000, he pressed the LottoStar button to end the gamble, accepting the R60,000 banker’s bid to buy his briefcase.
If Chef Katlego’s donation to Jumping Kids inspired you also to support their work, you can visit their website at jumpingkids.org.za. Regardless of how small your donation, every contribution helps change lives.
Deal or No Deal Celebrity Season 2, proudly sponsored by LottoStar, is produced by Homebrew Films for Primedia Studios. The show is screened on Saturdays at 18:00 on SABC 1.
LottoStar is Licensed by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. No U18. National Responsible Gambling Programme 0800 006 008. Ts & Cs apply. All games are fixed-odds betting events.