MasterChef South Africa returns to e.tv

Venecia Valentine

The kitchen lights are back on as MasterChef South Africa Season 6 premieres on e.tv on Sunday, 22 February at 18:00. The new season brings fresh talent, high-pressure challenges, and the return of familiar judges.

To build momentum ahead of the launch, e.tv will also rebroadcast Celebrity MasterChef, giving viewers weeks of competitive cooking before the main event begins.

Celebrity MasterChef returns first

From Sunday, 11 January at 18:00, Celebrity MasterChef returns to screens with a full rerun on e.tv. Episodes will also air on eReality and eExtra.

The series features well-known South African personalities competing in intense culinary challenges. Contestants cook under pressure, aiming to impress the judging panel and secure a place in the final.

Both MasterChef South Africa and Celebrity MasterChef are local adaptations of the global format. Contestants face the same judges. Chef Zola Nene, Justine Drake, and Chef Katlego Mlambo return to assess every plate.

How the two formats differ

MasterChef South Africa Season 6 spans 26 episodes. It follows home cooks from across the country as they compete week by week until one winner remains.

Celebrity MasterChef is shorter and sharper. The six-episode format features celebrities competing in heats, a semi-final, and a final. Each episode delivers fast-paced competition and high stakes.

Celebrity MasterChef episode schedule

Heat 1. Sunday, 11 January
Holly Rey, Yeye Letsoloyane, and Prim Reddy open the competition.

Heat 2. Sunday, 17 January
Ayanda G. Thabethe, Armand Aucamp, and Seth Shezi cook for a semi-final spot.

Heat 3. Sunday, 25 January
Graeme Richards, Bohang Moeko, and Mzukisi Mbane enter the MasterChef kitchen.

Heat 4. Sunday, 1 February
Danie du Toit, Dineo Ranaka, and Sinoyolo Sifo compete for the final semi-final place.

Semi-final. Sunday, 8 February
The top four celebrities face a demanding pressure test. They must recreate a judge’s dish with a surprise twist.

Final. Sunday, 15 February
The final two contestants prepare three-course meals. The winner takes the Celebrity MasterChef title and R1 million. Half of the prize goes to a charity of their choice.

What to expect from Season 6

MasterChef South Africa Season 6 promises big flavours and tougher challenges. Home cooks bring regional influences, personal stories, and bold ideas to the kitchen. Weekly eliminations raise the stakes until one contestant claims the title.

The series continues its focus on skill, creativity, and growth under pressure.

Production details

MasterChef South Africa Season 6 and Celebrity MasterChef are produced by Homebrew Films for Primedia Studios. The production team returns with the same high standards that have defined the franchise locally.