In a spectacular finale that showcased culinary artistry, 20-year-old Bridget Mangwandi has emerged victorious in the fifth season of “MasterChef South Africa”, taking home a remarkable R1 million and a coveted title that positions her as a trailblazer in the cooking competition.
By clinching the season five title, Mangwandi not only celebrated her own success but also made history as the youngest winner of the franchise and the first black female master chef from Mzansi.
The electrifying climax of the season saw a fierce showdown between Mangwandi and 23-year-old Nabila Shamshum, a school secretary from Johannesburg, after Durban's Chanel Brink, 34, was announced as the second runner-up.
While Shamshum had tasted victory in both the quarter and semi-finals, Mangwandi's ascent to the top was cheered by unwavering moral support from her biggest fan — her mother.
Both mothers, alongside eliminated contestants from the season, were present in the “MasterChef South Africa” kitchen to witness the momentous event.
The ultimate cook-off required the finalists to create a million-rand-worthy two-course meal celebrating the essence of African culinary excellence and their evolution from home cooks to professional chefs.
Inspired by her mother’s cherished dish, Mangwandi reimagined apricot chicken, swapping the chicken for kingklip to deliver a dish that demonstrated her technical prowess and creativity.
Her presentation included an exquisite apricot kingklip complemented by kale risotto, cauliflower purée, coconut cream and a sprinkle of chives.
To complete her culinary narrative, Mangwandi defied expectations with a visually stunning dessert that featured Italian meringue encasing choux pastry nestled inside short-crust pastry, generously filled with Amarula.
The judges praised her decoratively plated creation,but it was her well-cooked and flavourful kingklip that truly secured her victory.
In reflecting on her extraordinary journey, Mangwandi stated: “This win is a victory not only for me but for every young black girl who dreams of extraordinary feats. I hope this inspires the next generation to believe the world is their oyster, as I always tell myself.”
With the conclusion of “MasterChef South Africa” season 5, the excitement doesn’t stop there.
Fans can look forward to the upcoming “Celebrity MasterChef” spin-off, debuting on S3 on Saturday, November 30, at 8.30pm, with rebroadcasts on SABC 2 on Sundays at 6.30pm and S3 on Wednesdays at 5pm.
Sponsored by Pick n Pay, this six-part series will showcase twelve beloved Mzansi personalities who are passionate about cooking.
As celebrity judges Justine Drake, Zola Nene and Katlego Mlambo gear up to evaluate these stars, viewers can expect delightful twists.
Notably, the competition champion will share the R1 million prize with a charity of their choice. The celebrities will be divided into groups for the first half of the series, with winners advancing to a semi-final, culminating in a thrilling finale.
This season promises unexpected moments, featuring stars known for their culinary enthusiasm, including singer-songwriter Holly Rey, actor Armand Aucamp and popular media figure Graeme Richards.
Surprises await with personalities such as Miss SA runner-up Ayanda Thabethe and radio star Dineo Ranaka stepping into the kitchen to showcase their talents.