In a thrilling finale that captured the hearts and palates of viewers nationwide, 20-year-old Bridget Mangwandi from Bloemfontein has made history by clinching the title of “MasterChef South Africa” season 5.
This is a huge achievement as the youngest contestant to ever win the esteemed competition as well as the first black woman to take home the coveted title.
Her victory is not only a personal triumph but also a source of inspiration for many aspiring chefs across the nation.
In an exclusive chat with Independent Media Lifestyle, Mangwandi shared her motivations for entering the fierce competition and her aspirations post-show.
“I wanted to challenge myself with something new for the year.”
She acknowledge how her previous catering experiences had become somewhat monotonous.
“I needed some new excitement; a cooking competition seemed the answer.”
Despite her unsuccessful attempts in previous competitions, the “MasterChef SA” announcement provided a renewed sense of hope for Mangwandi. She decided to take a leap of faith, disregarding the odds.
The final cook-off was a challenge, requiring the finalists to whip up a million-rand-worthy two-course meal that celebrated African culinary excellence.
Mangwandi paid homage to her roots by reimagining her mother's cherished apricot chicken dish, replacing the chicken with kingklip, and showcasing her technical prowess and innovative spirit.
Her elegant presentation featured perfectly cooked apricot kingklip, accompanied by kale risotto, cauliflower purée and a drizzle of coconut cream, topped with a sprinkle of chives.
However, it was her striking dessert that captivated the judges: a visually stunning creation of Italian meringue wrapping choux pastry encased in short-crust pastry, lavishly filled with Amarula.
The judges lauded her decorative flair but, ultimately, it was the exquisite flavour of her kingklip that secured her well-deserved victory.
Reflecting on her journey, Mangwandi noted the intense pressure of being in the reality show’s kitchen: “It is a high-pressure environment with multiple cameras watching your every move. You must remain focused and creative while demonstrating your cooking techniques.”
For her, the experience felt like a culture shock, as the excitement of the competition vastly differed from her usual kitchen surroundings.
“It’s about the environment, the people and the heat levels,” she emphasised, noting the fluctuations of success and setbacks, “I learned to keep pushing forward and not let a bad day keep me down.”
Celebrating her monumental win, Mangwandi chose a more intimate gathering with close family and friends, relishing this life-changing moment.
“It was something beautiful and reflective, a momentous occasion in my cooking career and personal life,” she recalled.
With the title now in her possession, Mangwandi looks to the future, aspiring to establish her cooking show and product line.
“I want to bring the warmth and excitement of my culinary journey into other people’s kitchens, inspiring them to embrace the rich cultures and flavours from around the world,” she noted.
Mangwandi added: “Being crowned the winner of season 5 of ‘MasterChef SA’ is something I couldn’t have dreamed of.”
This achievement, she believes, is not just personal but represents a broader narrative for aspiring young chefs in South Africa.
“It’s about making South Africa proud and being a role model for others. It is a responsibility I carry with me as I navigate through new opportunities,” she added.