Get ready for the fifth season of Masterchef South Africa, where 20 passionate home cooks will showcase their unique culinary talents. The competition has moved to S3 and will feature a cash prize of R1 million for the winner. Meet the initial seven contestants, each with their own personal narrative to share, as they prepare to compete for the prestigious title of the nation’s MasterChef. From overcoming adversity to expressing love through food, these culinary artists are ready to embark on their gastronomic journey.
Meet the initial seven contestants who will be competing in Masterchef South Africa season five. These passionate home cooks showcase their distinctive culinary talents, each with their own personal narrative to share. The competition will be held on S3 and the winner will receive the prestigious title of the nation’s MasterChef and a cash prize of R1 million.
The fifth season of Masterchef South Africa, hosted by Primedia, hinges its suspense and excitement on the announcement of the first seven participants making their debut in the renowned kitchen. The popular cooking contest has relocated from its previous telecast on M-Net (DStv channel 101) to S3 (previously SABC 3). The season premiere is scheduled for Saturday, 13 July, and will continue to air every Saturday at 19:30. The contestants are prepared to compete for the prestigious title of the nation’s MasterChef and the impressive cash prize of R1 million.
This season of Masterchef South Africa is characterized by the introduction of 20 passionate home cooks, each showcasing their distinctive culinary talents. In this section, we familiarize you with the personal narratives of the initial seven contestants who are shaping their own gastronomic journey.
Hailing from the heart of Johannesburg is Tebogo. A familiar face from various advertising campaigns, Tebogo is now ready to conquer the culinary world. Raised by his single mother in Hillbrow, Tebogo’s childhood was marked by adversity, including periods of living in shelters. But his challenging past did not dampen his spirit or ambition. On the contrary, it has fostered resilience within him, inspiring him to rise above and shape his own destiny. His foray into the culinary arts was sparked by a simple cup of coffee at an inner-city NGO where he interned, leading him to establish his own thriving coffee shop, Hillbrewed Café, at the young age of 23. Aside from his culinary skills, Tebogo has also made a name for himself in the world of martial arts, securing the South African Kickboxing Association middleweight title in 2016 and 2017.
Up next is Tinashe “Nash” Zambila, a 39-year-old contestant hailing from Johannesburg‘s affluent northern suburbs. Known for his dry wit, Nash is sure to charm viewers with his vibrant personality. His passion for food ignited while watching celebrity chefs Rick Stein and Ainsley Harriott work their magic on television. Being an advertising professional, Nash is brimming with innovative ideas for potential ventures after his MasterChef journey, including launching a chicken wing bar, starting his own cooking channel, establishing a chilli farm, and initiating sustainable feeding scheme projects.
Lucas Roothman, a 33-year-old Stellenbosch resident, skillfully balances a diverse range of roles — rugby coach at school and university levels, talent recruiter for a rugby academy, and now, a Masterchef contestant. Lucas, an alumnus of Paarl Roos Gimnasium, known for producing more Springboks than any other school, is also a former U/19 Western Province Union player. Amidst the high-pressure world of rugby, Lucas finds his sanctuary in the kitchen.
Chanel Brink, a 34-year-old Durban native, has gained a significant following in the online food community during the lockdown, with her easy-to-follow comfort food recipes and uncomplicated techniques. Now a resident of Greenstone Hills, Johannesburg, Chanel believes in expressing love through food, pouring her heart into every dish she creates.
Bringing a colourful blend of Greek and Portuguese culture to her cooking is the vivacious Ella Bella Constantinides-Leite. Besides being a dynamic environmentalist and home cook from Bedfordview, Ella Bella holds a Master’s degree in Dramatic Arts and Education from the University of the Witwatersrand. She is also part of the Miss Earth South Africa programme, educating children about biodiversity and the importance of preserving our national heritage.
Naledi Matshitse, a 43-year-old mother from Muldersdrift, seamlessly weaves her passion for cooking into her everyday life. Despite holding a BAdmin Honours degree in Industrial Psychology, Naledi chose to be a homemaker to be actively involved in her children’s upbringing. Her culinary journey began as a child, assisting her mother in the kitchen, which continues to be her favourite place in the house.
Lastly, we introduce Refe Dimbaza, an intelligent and lively “small-town girl” from Thaba Nchu who is ready to make her mark in the Masterchef kitchen. Armed with an Honours Degree in Accounting from the University of the Free State, Refe credits her late beloved grandmother for witnessing her significant graduation ceremonies. Now residing in Centurion, Refe’s culinary talents are all set to shine in the Masterchef kitchen.
There will be 20 contestants competing in Masterchef South Africa season five.
The cash prize for the winner of Masterchef South Africa season five is R1 million.
Masterchef South Africa season five will premiere on Saturday, 13 July and will be aired on S3 (previously SABC 3).
Some of the initial seven contestants participating in Masterchef South Africa season five are Tebogo, Nash, and Lucas Roothman.
The contestants in Masterchef South Africa season five have unique personal narratives which include overcoming adversity, expressing love through food, balancing multiple roles, and pursuing passions.
Some of the contestants in Masterchef South Africa season five include Chanel Brink, Ella Bella Constantinides-Leite, Naledi Matshitse, and Refe Dimbaza. Each of them has their own distinctive background and culinary style.
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