Local television is about to get a whole lot tastier! MasterChef South Africa is moving to its new home on S3, with the highly-anticipated Season 5 premiering on Saturday, 13 July at 19:30.
In this exciting new season, 20 passionate home cooks from diverse backgrounds will step into the high-pressure kitchen of MasterChef South Africa. These amateur chefs, each with their unique culinary skills ranging from baking to basting, seafood to curries, will compete for the ultimate title of MasterChef and a delectable prize of R1 million.
Under the watchful eyes of three discerning judges, including returning favorites Zola Nene and Justine Drake, and the ever-enthusiastic Katlego Mlambo, the contestants will face a series of challenges designed to test their culinary prowess. From invention tests requiring them to whip up themed dishes from scratch to mystery box challenges with surprise ingredients, the pressure is always on. Adding to the excitement, renowned local chefs will occasionally grace the MasterChef kitchen, offering masterclasses on their signature dishes and joining the judging panel.
Judge Katlego Mlambo, who joined the panel last season, is thrilled about the new contestants but warns that the competition is fierce. "The contestants are only as good as their last plate, and anything can happen. It’s a constant race against the clock, and one flop or sub-standard presentation could cost them their MasterChef apron," he says.
Zola Nene and Justine Drake echo Katlego's sentiments. Justine notes, "The competency of this season’s home cooks is much higher than in the previous season." Zola adds, “I was surprised by their clear understanding of advanced cooking techniques and knife skills. These people can cook. The question is, who will continue to improve their know-how and rise to the top?”
Season 5 also celebrates local ingredients, with the contestants having access to a well-stocked Pick n Pay pantry featuring both local and international products. From fresh produce and grocery basics to specialty items like coconut milk and exotic spices, the pantry is a chef’s paradise. Double-door fridges brimming with dairy, cheese, charcuterie, meats, and a freezer stocked with seafood and ice cream ensure the contestants have everything they need. Notably, the packaging-free section aims to minimize waste, allowing contestants to take just what they need.
Katlego can't hide his excitement about the pantry. “Every time I walk into the Pick n Pay pantry, I’m blown away. It’s a chef’s dream come true,” he says.
The kitchen is also outfitted with top-tier products from sponsors such as @home, Beko, Durbanville Hills Winery, Edison Stone, Setamono Hibachi, Chef Gear, My Butcher’s Block, Mervyn Gers, LED Lighting SA,
and YOCO, ensuring the contestants have the best tools and ingredients at their fingertips.
For those who can’t catch the premiere, there’s good news. MasterChef South Africa Season 5 will rebroadcast on S3 on Sundays at 18:30 and on SABC 2 on Wednesdays at 18:00, so there are plenty of opportunities to follow the culinary drama.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the 20 MasterChef South Africa Season 5 contestants and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #masterchefsa. With the mix of talent, high stakes, and culinary creativity, this season promises to be a sizzling sensation!
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