MasterChef SA Reveals Seven More Contestants for Season 6

MasterChef South Africa is officially turning up the heat as seven more contestants are announced for Season 6, now airing on its new broadcast home, e.tv.

Following last week’s reveal of the first eight competitors, the sixth season is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic yet. With a broader national audience, a R1 million prize at stake, and a line-up packed with passion, skill and personality, Season 6 promises serious culinary drama.

The show premieres on Sunday, 22 February at 18:00 on e.tv, with repeat broadcasts on:

• Saturdays at 17:00 on e.tv
• Saturdays at 20:30 on eExtra
• Sundays at 17:00 on eReality

Meet the New Contestants

Each of the seven new contestants brings a distinct culinary identity, background and ambition into the MasterChef kitchen.

Lesego Motshana (24) – Limpopo / Johannesburg

Soft-spoken, grounded and quietly confident, Lesego is a Sepedi-speaking “daddy’s girl” inspired by her mother’s bakery business and her sister, a head chef in New Jersey. While she loves traditional Seven Colours meals, her cooking shows global flair, with dishes like Mexican ceviche tostadas.

Known for strong planning and time management, she hopes to inspire young girls and one day publish a children’s cookbook.

Joshua “Josh” Lotz (25) – Pretoria

A culture lover, model and behind-the-scenes television professional, Josh treats cooking like performance art. With a background in dance, drama and music, he often cooks to opera and sees the kitchen as a stage.

His food is expressive, bold and story-driven. If he wins, Josh wants to open a restaurant rooted in his artistic vision and develop a unique cooking TV show.

Suhael Raghunath (28) – Durban

Disciplined, focused and fiercely competitive, Suhael brings the mindset of a karate and Muay Thai athlete into the kitchen. Once a picky eater, he grew into a seafood specialist who often cooks with fish he’s caught himself. A perfectionist under pressure, he believes chaos is where culinary excellence is forged.

Dr Phil Munda (33) – Johannesburg

A general surgeon with a creative soul, Dr Phil describes cooking as culinary alchemy. His passion for food began at varsity and grew into a way of creating joy, connection and memory. Should he win, his goal is to invest in and uplift talented chefs within South Africa’s food industry.

Karen van der Merwe (38) – Johannesburg South / Alberton

An energetic, outdoors-loving mom of two, Karen says the kitchen is her happy place. She relies on instinct and flavour intuition, which she believes cannot be taught. A former My Kitchen Rules finalist, she’s no stranger to competition and is ready to prove herself once again.

Jeshen Govender (31) – Johannesburg

A tax consultant and part-time food photographer, Jeshen’s life has always revolved around food. Raised in a Durban family with strong catering roots, he cooks in a way that reflects South African Indian heritage, global influences, and careful technique. Despite his refined presentation, he believes simplicity is the foundation of great food.

Calvin Silson (30) – Durban

With a proud Italian heritage, Calvin learned to cook alongside his mother and grandmother. His style is Italian-inspired and Mediterranean-led, with a focus on seafood, open-flame cooking and bold, clean flavours. Known for dishes like seared scallops with peas, he dreams of opening his own restaurant if he wins MasterChef.

A season of big personalities and bigger flavour

With 15 contestants now revealed, MasterChef South Africa Season 6 is shaping up to be a battle of technique, heart and creativity. From surgeons and athletes to artists and homegrown cooks, the competition reflects the diversity of South Africa’s food culture.

Who will rise above the rest and take home the R1 million prize?