Meet some of the diverse contestants ready to cook up a storm
22 February is an exciting day on this year’s television calendar. That’s when the piping-hot, brand-new season of the reality cooking competition MasterChef South Africa moves into its new home on e.tv on Sundays at 18:00.
MasterChef South Africa Season 6 will also be rebroadcast on the channel on Saturdays at 17:00, with additional airings on eExtra on Saturdays at 20:30 and on eReality on Sundays at 17:00.
This season, the diverse group of twenty competent and competitive home cooks vying for the coveted MasterChef title and the R1 million prize come from very different backgrounds and regions across the country – from small towns like Malgas in the Western Cape and Wakkerstroom in Mpumalanga, all the way to Kimberley in the Northern Cape, criss-crossing to Polokwane in Limpopo and East London in the Eastern Cape. Additionally, there are fierce culinary contenders from cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town and eThekwini.
Furthermore, viewers can expect a buffet of food styles, professions and personalities.
Here are eight of the contestants, hoping to impress MasterChef South Africa’s esteemed judges, Zola Nene, Justine Drake and Chef Katlego Mlambo:
ALI
Astute Western Cape attorney who brings his Muslim faith and Indian heritage to the table.
Ali Sonday (30), from Paarl in the Western Cape, obtained his law degree cum laude and is a Senior Attorney at a Cape Town law firm established in the early 1800s, where he specialises in employment law and commercial litigation. Beyond the courtroom, Ali’s passion for food stems from his upbringing in a close-knit Muslim community and from a particularly beloved childhood space – his family’s local convenience store, filled with the smell of hot oil, the warm notes of Indian spices, and his mother’s delicious homemade rotis, atchars, salomies and samosas.
While Ali’s food style is firmly grounded in his culinary heritage, it also draws on the punchy cuisine of Asia, which he savoured in fine dining restaurants and at vibrant street markets.
As he summarises: “My food represents my roots, is globally inspired and experientially creative. It feels both familiar and adventurous”
Ali is also an avid Formula 1 fan, and his international travels often revolve around attending Grand Prix races, which he considers the perfect excuse to explore the cuisine of the host countries. Now, Ali is ready to set the wheels in motion toward the MasterChef South Africa finishing line. If he wins the competition, two food trucks are on the way.
REJANE
Down-to-earth world-traveller who settled down in rustic Malgas, from where she runs an ethical fashion brand.
At 50, Rejane Gwynne is the oldest home cook in MasterChef South Africa Season 6. With over twenty-five years of cooking experience, Rejane’s knack in the kitchen is to draw inspiration from flavours from across the world while staying true to her healthy, rustic style.
After growing up in Grabouw in the Western Cape, an adventurous travel bug took her to many countries and into different jobs – even preparing meals for the Governess of the Royal Shakespeare Company – but a longing for African skies brought her back home. So, Rejane and her life partner, Krissie, decided to settle in Malgas, a remote village in the Overberg region, known for its tranquil, rural charm. When her friends from abroad visit, they can expect elevated South African country-style cuisine, juicy grass-fed rib-eye steaks with a French or Asian twist, sourdough baked from scratch, and, of course, veggies from her garden. “For me, food is a wholesome balance of culture, colour and care,” Rejane says.
Besides being evident in her cooking, Rejane’s boundless creativity and eye for detail are expressed through OYOO Style, her and Krissie’s award-winning ethical fashion brand that uses African textiles.
In line with her authentic, down-to-earth lifestyle, Rejane’s food dream is to write a healthy-living cookbook.
MAHLATSE
Bright-eyed Spedi-speaking culinary student from Limpopo who is besotted with baking.
23-year-old student Mahlatse Mongatane, born and bred in Limpopo, is the youngest contestant on MasterChef South Africa Season 6. His contagious passion for food began at 12, when he baked muffins that won his family’s hearts. Since that joyous moment in a village in Mokopane, Mahlatse has been unstoppable.
In addition to exploring modern South African cuisine through his hospitality studies at Capricorn TVET College, he excelled at the WorldSkills National Bakery competition, impressing the judges with his technical precision and eye-catching presentation. Being named second runner-up boosted his confidence and inspired him to showcase his dedication, creativity, consistency and professionalism in the MasterChef kitchen.
Although baking will always be Mahlatse’s first love, especially when he whips up a decadent Chocolate Lava Cake, his curiosity and eagerness to experiment are his culinary superpowers, regardless of what kind of dish he puts on a plate.
“Even when ingredients are limited, I can improvise to create something memorable,” Mahlatse says.
If his dreams come true, people will be able to enjoy these treats at his own bakery. Meanwhile, he aims to make his mother proud, one meal at a time.
BENJIE
Cool-headed high-voltage electrician and grill-master from the Northern Cape.
Andrew Benjamin (40), known to friends and family as Benjie, represents the Northern Cape in MasterChef South Africa Season 6.
Benjie, who has lived in Kimberley all his life, is always calm and collected. Always. No matter how scary the situation. In his profession, Benjie performs maintenance on hazardous high-volume electricity transmission lines across the country. Viewers of the Afrikaans series Kokkedoor: Vuur & Vlam, in which he was part of the runner-up team, will also attest to how the cool-headed grill-master remains unfazed by even the most daunting challenge.
Unsurprisingly, Benjie’s forte is fire-driven cooking. One of his signature dishes using this method is venison loin marinated in orange and biltong spices. Across all his dishes, you will find distinct South African flavours, presented with simplicity and soul, qualities he encountered in his grandma’s kitchen. That’s where he learnt how to make crackling with pap, chop onions, and, as he quips in his deadpan style, “found out when to turn off the stove”.
Benjie entered MasterChef South Africa with one mission in mind: “I want to lead by example and show my family and community that it’s possible to follow your ultimate dream.”
BANDZIVA
Colourful and flamboyant KZN home cook with the gift of the gab and a creative flair for fashion and food.
31-year-old non-binary home cook and fashionista Bandile Mandinane, who goes by Bandziva or Bandz for short, brings tons of energy, fun, creativity and pride to the MasterChef South Africa kitchen. Hailing from KZN, Bandziva currently graces the airwaves as a weekend breakfast show host on the campus radio station of the Mangosuthu University of Technology.
However, everything Bandziva does is done with zest, and their profound passion for traditional Zulu food with delightful twists, together with their ability to think – and cook – on their feet, makes them a culinary force to be reckoned with.
Bandziva’s philosophy is to add emotion to cuisine, inspired by their mother’s warmth when feeding the family. “My mom showed that a plate of food can express love more powerfully than words,” Bandziva explains.
When Bandziva moves in behind the stove, don’t expect recipe books on the counter. The meals are conjured up in their head, and to refine techniques, the internet is their friend.
What you will find in Bandziva’s kitchen, though, are tears. Tears of jubilation when a spur-of-the-moment food combination turns out to be a taste sensation. Tears of sorrow when a dish doesn’t live up to their expectations. And tears of gratitude for just being able to cook up a storm.
CHANELLE
Practical “Jill-of-all-trades” mom from the Eastern Cape, for whom cooking is a social affair.
Chanelle Gale (38) lives in East London, where her husband, kids, and social circle savour her scrumptious culinary creations. On their plates, you will find anything from mouthwatering Mediterranean- and Asian-inspired dishes to South African braai delights, leaving them begging for seconds.
These jovial, food-centric gatherings reflect Chanelle’s solid culinary philosophy: “Food brings the most joy when it’s prepared by caring hands and shared with good company.”
Chanelle, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Consumer Science from the University of Pretoria, started her food journey under the loving eyes of her mom, stepmom and aunt – and Jamie Oliver as her guiding light – when she was a teenager.
These days, her initial “food tutors” and friends are deeply impressed by the elegant, individual touches in her cuisine. People are equally amazed at how much she can pack into 24 hours. “I’m like a little elf, always making or fixing things.” On top of her busy full-time job as a food and beverage manager, she paints beautifully and enjoys playing padel, hiking or sailing with her husband. That’s when she’s not sewing, making leather bags or wielding power tools.
If she wins MasterChef South Africa, Chanelle will open a restaurant where the kids can play and the adults can enjoy good food.
NTOBEKO
Multi-faceted entrepreneur, originally from Mpumalanga, whose focus is his secret weapon in the kitchen.
Ntobeko Dlamini, born and raised in a remote rural village in Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga, is now a successful Johannesburg-based entrepreneur. He owns two thriving businesses – quite a feat for someone who is only 28 years old.
While Ntobeko’s one enterprise provides stationery to companies in an innovative way, the other offers a shuttle and tour guide service for international travellers who want to explore our beautiful country.
This go-getter attributes his life achievements to his focus, determination, ambition, and self-drive – personality traits he will most definitely bring to the MasterChef kitchen.
“Whatever I try to do, as long as I put my mind to it, I will do it like a pro,” says Ntokobeko.
Given his remarkable cooking skills, you would not guess that Ntobeko had only just begun experimenting with food during the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, he has developed a unique style rooted in South African heritage, including surprising takes on a braai, hearty stews, and comforting classics.
If Ntobeko wins MasterChef South Africa, he aims to give back to his community by nurturing more culinary stars from the region. Another dream-come-true would be to become a radio host or podcaster, showing people how ordinary ingredients can become tasty masterpieces.
SIMELE
Charismatic, kind-hearted Zulu man and devoted dad from Jozi whose food brings people together.
Simele Shange (38) is a bold home cook and charismatic entrepreneur from Johannesburg, whose culinary journey blends creativity, community, and cultural pride.
As the founder of an events consultancy, Mzansi Feast, Simele’s life revolves around bringing people together — whether the occasion is a large-scale event or an intimate cooking session.
This self-taught home cook believes that food nourishes the soul. “It’s about storytelling, memory, honouring family and sparking connection,” he explains.
Born and raised in Newcastle, KZN, Simele’s cuisine fuses his Zulu roots, a global palate, and the smoky depth of open fire. He aptly calls his style “Asian-inspired home cooking with a love for the braai.”
While Simele’s passion for food began in his mother’s kitchen, it deepened when his wife became pregnant with their first of two kids. Simele wanted to feed her the best food possible because of the gift she was carrying. Now, he still cooks for his family every day, enjoying every minute of it.
Besides winning MasterChef South Africa, Simele dreams of opening a restaurant where craft meets comfort. You can rest assured that everyone visiting this friendly space will come back for more, especially after tasting his one-pot lamb and rice, and all-time favourite, jeqe and beans.