It’s official: MasterChef South Africa is back in 2026 with bigger stakes, a bigger audience, and a red-hot judging panel.
Culinary icons Zola Nene and Justine Drake are making their third consecutive return, joined by Katlego Mlambo, for the new season set to air on e.tv every Sunday at 6pm from February 2026. For those who miss it, reruns will be broadcast on eExtra and eReality, reaching even more foodies across the country.
Judges turn up the heat
“I’m boiling over with excitement to be back again as a judge for the upcoming season of MasterChef South Africa. Having the opportunity to challenge, nurture, and grow some of the best food talent our country has to offer is always such a privilege,” said Nene.
She added: “If you’re a foodie who’s focused, knows how to multitask, has a deep understanding of flavour, and loves exploring new ingredients and cooking techniques, I would love to see what you can bring to the table!”
Drake echoed her excitement: “We’re looking for diverse contestants from all over the country whose friends and family come back for seconds when they serve their delicious dishes. MasterChef South Africa is the perfect platform to elevate your cooking skills. Who knows, the culinary world might be your oyster.”
Entries now open — R1 million prize
The winner of MasterChef South Africa Season 6 will scoop up not only the coveted title of MasterChef but also an appetising R1 million cash prize.
Home cooks aged 18 and above, who are South African citizens or permanent residents and not working as professional chefs, are eligible to enter. The closing date is Thursday, October 16, 2025, and entries can be submitted via masterchefsa.tv.
Zola Nene’s culinary empire
Judge Zola Nene has had a standout year, recently winning Culinary Media Personality of the Year at the 2025 Luxe Awards. From her long-running role on the Expresso Morning Show to impressing Gordon Ramsay on National Geographic’s Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, she’s one of South Africa’s most recognisable food personalities.
Her success extends to publishing. Her three award-winning cookbooks—Simply Delicious, Simply Zola, and Simply Seven Colours—continue to inspire thousands of home cooks.
Justine Drake’s culinary influence
With a career spanning decades, Justine Drake has been food editor for top magazines, authored cookbooks since the age of 23, and hosted television shows such as the BBC’s Just in Africa and her own Just Cooking. Her YouTube channel and regular radio appearances keep her at the forefront of South African culinary trends.
A proven recipe for success
Produced by Homebrew Films for Primedia Studios, MasterChef South Africa has launched several culinary careers, with past contestants going on to open restaurants, publish cookbooks, and achieve celebrity chef status.
For aspiring foodies, this season could be a life-changing opportunity.
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📌 MasterChef South Africa Season 6 premieres February 2026 on e.tv, with entries closing October 16.
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