SABC2's cooking competition The Taste Master returns for Season 6 tonight (13 May) at 19h30 with 10 cheftestants vying for a R200,000 prize.
As you may have seen in
TVSA's New on TV Today, the show's rewinding by two seasons and returns to cooking and baking, as opposed to baking only.
Also, Zola Nene's going solo as Head Judge for the first time and will be joined by guest judges each episode, including her mom Bongekile.
Which brings us to the most interesting thing about the season's contestants: five of the 10 have been inspired to cook by their mothers and grandmothers - grandmothers espesh. Very cool! - because it suggests a special relationship that one
should have with a gogo. They're fortunate.
Some might say it promotes the misogynistic idea that "women belong in the kitchen" but no, we don't believe it does. Instead it encourages the idea of meaningful, soul connections between generations in the real world as opposed to AI-generated, stolen recipe tips.
Humanity rulez!
Lookout for their mentions as you browse:
Chevonne Fourie
From: Cape of Good Hope, Mpumalanga
Occupation: Chef & Manager
My inspiration
My grandmother and mother were the ones who lit the spark. I grew up watching them move through the kitchen with emotion and intuition, not just recipes - especially at our family hotel, where I started helping from the age of five.
They introduced me to baking, cooking, and the beauty of French cuisine, and they taught me that food is a language of love.
My style
Every dish is a piece of art and a showcase of my heart and soul.
My weapon in the kitchen.
My creativity and adaptation to anything makes me a strong chef in the kitchen.
Why I’m entering
I know this will be a once in-a lifetime opportunity to group and learn a lot of new skills and make my family and friends proud as they always encourage my journey in the culinary world.
If I won
There will be unrivalled job opportunities where I can grow my new small business into something big and successful!
Danielle Speek
From: Pretoria
Occupation: UX Designer
My inspiration
A lot of my inspiration comes from within - I bake with both instinct and intention.
I love the structure of a good formula, but I also follow the feeling of the dough and the rhythm of the process.
Social media has played a huge role in deepening that passion. Creators like @breadstalker_ sparked my love for sourdough, while someone like Gino D’Acampo reminds me to cook with joy, passion and a little mischief.
That’s exactly the energy I try to bring into my kitchen.
My style
Rustic, experimental, and intuitive. I love breathing new life into old-school classics - especially when dough is involved. I trust my gut, play with texture, and let the ingredients lead the way.
My weapon In the kitchen
I know flavours, I am able to think on the spot and my best creations come from putting together things I have left in my pantry or kitchen. I am able to make something delicious from almost nothing.
Why I’m entering
It is my dream to share my love for baking and spend my days baking, teaching sourdough and creating content full-time - that is my motivation. I also want to make my parents proud.
If I won
It'll give me a head start to becoming a full-time baking content creator/teacher by connecting me with like-minded people and giving me a financial cushion to follow my dreams.
Dustine Tobbler
From: Pretoria
Occupation: Self-Taught Cook & Food Stylist
My inspiration
My culinary journey is inspired by several renowned chefs and caterers, whose work has ignited my passion and creativity.
The diversity of food offers vast opportunities, enabling all sorts of chefs and cooks to carve out their niche in the ever-evolving food industry.
My style
I pride myself on crafting visually striking dishes that tell a story, blending sophistication with bold flavours.
Fresh, wholesome ingredients are the foundation of my work - it’s all about authenticity and quality in every creation, whether it’s a private dinner or a show-stopping presentation.
My weapon in the kitchen
I love to focus the diners' experience, how they would enjoy the flavours and how it would create joy.
Cooking with this intention allows me to connect with people on a deeper level, making each dish not just a meal, but a heartfelt message.
Why I’m entering
At 55, I entered The Taste Master cooking competition, believing it's never too late to follow dreams.
Though daunting, stepping out of my comfort zone promised growth and achievement, outweighing any fears.
If I won
I would feel an enormous sense of pride and accomplishment. This achievement would not only be a personal milestone but also a platform to inspire others in their culinary pursuits.
Winning would validate all my hard work, and it would propel me to further explore and innovate in the world of gastronomy.
Joy Tinyako Sithole
From: Johannesburg
Occupation: Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
My inspiration
Those who came before me, my mom and grandmothers. I learnt how to cook through these strong women. They always prepared food that felt like home, comfort and peace.
My style
My favourite type of cooking is old-traditional South African food with a modern twist
My weapon in the kitchen
I’m calm in the kitchen and cook from the heart.
Why I’m entering
Me! I want to challenge and test my creativity. To prove to myself that I’m capable of achieving anything I want and am passionate about.
If I won
To grow my expertise as a cook and baker. As well as gain credibility and expand my work in the digital food content creation space.
Kershnie Govender
From: Kwa Zulu Natal
Occupation: Self-employed
My inspiration
My grandmother was my greatest influence in my cooking journey. Warm kitchen traditions, and ability to create comforting, flavourful meals. Grand passion, creativity, and love for cooking deeply influenced me.
My style
My cooking style blends simplicity with bold flavours, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. I love creating dishes that are comforting yet exciting and look amazing.
My weapon in the kitchen
A sharp knife, and a fearless approach to flavour. The ability to rescue any dish and to balance flavours Confidence and passion are the ultimate secret weapons.
Why I’m entering
It’s really for my family who are my biggest fans.
If I won
My forever dream is to have my own restaurant one day. It would be such great exposure to win The Taste Master and gain knowledge and experience of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Larce Rayman
From: Johannesburg
Occupation: Marketing Coordinator
My inspiration
It has always been my dad as he cooks with precision and love.
My style
A blend of rustic with a side of colourful
My weapon in the kitchen
I remain calm under pressure.
Why I’m entering
I want to cook and learn from the master herself, Chef Zola.
If I won
This will enable me to follow my dream to open a restaurant
Lucky Mashudu Masinya
From: Johannesburg
Occupation: Patisserie Lecturer
My inspiration
Chef Benoit Blin Chef Patissier at The Le Manior in Oxford Great Milton. The key core foundations of his work are just the true flair of the art in patisserie perfection.
The way he bakes the world into a better place just by one pastry and dessert at a time is just phenomenal.
I just love how he also has the rustic touch finished with a French classic garnish to it. Which makes food really easy and approachable to the eye.
It’s just amazing.
My style
Morden rustic but with a fine dining twist to it.
My weapon in the kitchen
Flavour profile and presentation.
Why I’m entering
I have been inspired by previous contestants!
If I won
I will leverage the marketing to enhance my social media presence as an upcoming food stylist.
I still dream of opening my own patisserie one day with high class desserts and just bring Paris and UK to the heart of Johannesburg.
Meggan Volkwyn
From: Cape Town
Occupation: Content Creator - City of Cape Town Events Department
My inspiration
My grandmother - I have the fondest memories of visiting after church and us baking delectable, sweet treats together.
My style
Traditional oven baking.
My weapon in the kitchen
I love to experiment with flavours and push culinary boundaries.
Why I’m entering
I want to push myself and make my family proud, who have been my biggest support system.
If I won
I would love to open up a cafe that also is sectioned off as a baking school or with baking activities teaching kids creative ways of learning (measurements, colours, shapes, alphabet etc).
Mpho Moud Kgomo
From: Vosloorus
Occupation: Cook
My inspiration
My grandmother taught me that cooking has to start from the heart. It’s easy to replicate any recipe but doing it with love is showcased in the taste and presentation.
My style
Experimental and using ingredients and flavours in innovative ways.
My weapon in the kitchen
I am constantly playing around with new flavours and evolving recipes.
Why I’m entering
I know I have what it takes to inspire the audience and create joy through my cooking.
If I won
I know this will elevate my skillset and create recognition for what I create in the kitchen.
Xolile Makutoana
From: Cape Town
Occupation: Project Coordinator
My inspiration
The greatest influence on my cooking comes from a combination of personal experiences and cultural heritage.
Additionally, I have been inspired by South African bakers, whose creativity and dedication to going the extra mile with food have left a lasting impression on me.
Their innovative approaches and willingness to experiment with flavours encourage me to push the boundaries of my own baking and cooking.
Lastly, the rich culinary traditions of the Cape Malay community in Cape Town have significantly shaped my style.
The unique spices and textures they use have taught me the importance of flavour in creating memorable dishes.
Together, these influences have forged my cooking philosophy, blending personal experience with cultural richness.
My style
My style of baking is an exciting blend of traditional techniques and innovative twists that reflect my passion for creating delightful treats.
As a homemaker, I embrace the warmth and comfort of baking at home, turning my kitchen into a welcoming space filled with delicious aromas.
I love experimenting with flavours and textures, always striving to push the boundaries of classic recipes while maintaining that homemade charm.
My strong palate allows me to balance sweet and savoury elements, ensuring that each creation is not only visually appealing but also a true delight to the taste buds.
From intricate pastries to comforting breads, my baking is a celebration of creativity and love, inviting everyone to enjoy the fruits of my labour.
My weapon in the kitchen
I bring: Innovation, and creativity, charm and great tastebuds.
Why I entered
Me, myself and I!
If I won
Winning the title of The Taste Master will spearhead my business and skillset in the right direction, while showcasing the true reward of success through perseverance and grit.