SA’s Hottest Cooking Show The Taste Master SA Is Back!
SABC2 announces the return of one of South Africa’s favourite cooking competition reality shows, The Taste Master SA, as season 6 debuts on Tuesday, 13 May 2025 at 19:30. The series will dish up even more excitement, creativity and flavour, with Clover as the headline sponsor and Food Lovers Market providing all the fresh produce featured on the show.
Renowned chef and TV personality Zola Nene returns to the judging panel, bringing her signature warmth, wit and culinary expertise as she mentors 10 passionate contestants through dynamic cooking challenges. Week by week, they compete, vying for the top spot and a grand prize including R200,000 from Capitec and more.
With the iconic Zola Nene at the helm as the show’s new lead judge, the kitchen is officially set to heat up. Joining her in each episode are a rotating panel of guest judges, including her mother Bongekile Nene, Chef Anwar Abdullatief, Daniel Blignaut, Nathan Clarke, and other top names in the South African food scene.
This season, The Taste Master SA returns to its roots – celebrating cooking and baking, in equal measure. After two seasons focused exclusively on baking, Season 6 broadens the plate to include savoury, sweet, and everything in between. It’s a test of versatility – and a feast for viewers.
Zola Nene remarks,
“I’m so excited to be guiding a new generation of culinary talent. This season is not just about skills—it’s about storytelling through food. We have incredible contestants, amazing guest judges, and challenges that will push creativity to the edge.”
SABC2 Head of Channel Yonwaba Pangeni said:
“We’re proud to bring The Taste Master SA back to SABC2 for another season. This show not only entertains – it uplifts, educates, and highlights the incredible culinary talent in South Africa. It’s a beautiful blend of heart, tenacity, and homegrown excellence.”
The sixth season of The Taste Master SA premieres on Tuesday 13 May 2025 at 19h30 on SABC 2.
Connected with The Taste Master SA via Social Media:
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About Zola Nene:
Zola Nene got her big break as the resident chef on the SABC 3 breakfast show Expresso. Zola’s journey with food started on a trip to England where she found a job in a brasserie in Cheshire for two years, first as a hot section chef and then as the head pastry chef.
After her two-year stint in England, Zola returned to South Africa and enrolled at the Institute of Culinary Arts in Stellenbosch. She specialised in Food Media in her third year of studies and subsequently worked at Top Billing magazine as a food assistant. In 2010, Zola started her career as a celebrity chef by joining the Expresso Morning Show. She released her first cook book Simply Delicious in 2016 and has a stint of other impressive hosting and judging spots on her CV.
