Andrew ‘Benjie’ Benjamin wins MasterChef South Africa and R1m

Andrew “Benjie” Benjamin has become the first Northern Cape contestant to win MasterChef South Africa.

The 40-year-old Kimberley home cook beat Durban finalist Candice Meth, 39, to claim the title and R1 million in prize money.

Away from the kitchen, Benjamin maintains hazardous high-voltage electricity transmission lines.

Benjie wins seven challenges

Benjamin entered the competition alongside 19 other home cooks.

Affectionately called “Benjie Baby” by the judges and contestants, he established himself as an early favourite after winning Dish of the Day in the second episode.

He went on to record seven challenge victories.

Those wins earned him a 10-minute advantage in the final.

Two-minute noodles become a winning dish

One of Benjamin’s most memorable dishes transformed two-minute noodles into “Crêpes Suzette Benjette”.

Chef Katlego Mlambo named it his favourite Benjamin dish of the season.

Benjamin also impressed London-based guest judge Chef Nokx Majozi, known as the “Queen of Pies”, with a lamb pie.

During the season’s celebration of South African food heritage, he won R100,000.

Benjie and Candice face three-course final

Benjamin and Meth received 120 minutes to prepare three courses reflecting their experiences in the competition.

Judges Justine Drake and Zola Nene had previously described Benjamin as a “dark horse”.

They also praised his focus and calm approach in the kitchen.

The pressure of the final challenged that composure as Benjamin fell behind while preparing his menu.

Salmon, pork belly and dessert secure victory

Benjamin served pan-fried salmon with leeks and white wine sauce as his starter.

His main course featured pork belly with fennel and apple purées, mushy peas and red wine jus.

For dessert, he prepared meringue, vanilla sponge, raspberry coulis, chocolate crème pâtissière and vanilla ice cream.

His decision to bake the apples to deepen their flavour placed him behind schedule, but he completed all three courses before time expired.

Judges praise fine-dining main course

The judges praised the cooking of Benjamin’s salmon.

His pork belly also impressed them with its flavour balance and presentation.

Nene said the main course belonged in a fine-dining restaurant.

Benjamin’s final dessert completed the menu and secured him the MasterChef South Africa title.

Win puts Northern Cape food in focus

Benjamin nearly decided against entering the competition because he doubted his abilities.

He now hopes his victory encourages other Northern Cape cooks to trust their culinary skills.

“We can make great food and compete with the best in the rest of the country,” he said, highlighting the province’s range of flavours and cooking traditions.

How Benjie plans to spend his R1m prize

Benjamin plans to use part of his R1 million prize for renovations at home.

He also wants to spoil the family who supported him throughout the competition.

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