The Good Life Show, Johannesburg: A Live Chef Line-up Like No Other

Get ready for a feast of flavour, innovation, and storytelling as The Good Life Show comes to Johannesburg. Taking place at the Kyalami International Convention Centre from 1 – 3 August, this unmissable event presents a live chef line-up that is bold, diverse, and deliciously inspiring.

From plant-based pioneers to indigenous ingredient champions, and from Michelin-trained innovators to Master Chef winners, culinary brilliance comes to life with every demonstration.

Meet the Culinary Stars

Absalom Kotsokoane – Indigenous Culinary Visionary and Founder of Happy Spoon

Chef Absalom is on a mission to prove that traditional African ingredients belong at the forefront of fine dining, and he is doing it with elegance, confidence, and community spirit.

With over 15 years of experience and accolades including SA Chef of the Year Plant-Based Runner-Up and the Food Hero Award from the Restaurant Association of South Africa, Absalom’s food celebrates culture while embracing modern gastronomy.

Bridget Mangwandi – MasterChef SA Winner and Culinary Science Pioneer

Bridget Mangwandi is not just a chef; she is a phenomenon. Crowned the youngest-ever and first black female Master Chef SA winner in 2024, this culinary prodigy is pioneering a future where food is rooted in heritage, guided by science, and powered by purpose.

A self-starting kitchen innovator, Bridget is the founder of BeiCuisine and a food scientist-in-training who blends bold African flavours with a contemporary global flair.

Jameson Stocks – Renowned British Michelin-starred Celebrity Chef

Renowned for his creative cooking flair and approach to mindful eating, Jameson quickly established himself as one of the brightest culinary talents in the world. While he blends traditional techniques with modern flavours, his cuisine is a celebration of locally sourced, organic ingredients.

Beyond his technical expertise in the kitchen, Jameson’s engaging personality and passion for living well has made him a favourite among food enthusiasts and television viewers alike. He is a beloved TV personality, known for his approachable, down-to-earth style and an innate ability to inspire audiences with his passion for food.

Jo Richter – Eat Out Award-Winning Chef and Co-Founder and Head Chef of The LivingRoom

Chef Jo Richter is a German-born, South African-raised culinary innovator known for blending classical European techniques with indigenous African ingredients. Trained in Michelin-starred kitchens across Berlin, his culinary philosophy was deeply shaped by early explorations of local markets and ingredients across the African continent.

As co-founder and head chef of The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate and recently awarded three stars at the 2025 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards, Jo champions sustainability through hyper-local sourcing, off-grid energy solutions, and a bold plant-forward menu.

Jenny Morris – Celebrity Chef and The Giggling Gourmet

Jenny Morris is South Africa’s most beloved culinary icon, affectionately known as The Giggling Gourmet. With multiple bestselling cookbooks, TV series aired across the globe, and a magnetic stage presence, Jenny brings warmth, humour, and unforgettable flavour to everything she touches.

Her cuisine is globally inspired but always grounded in joy, generosity, and celebration.

Marbz Serepo – Homegrown Food Star and Co-Founder of Plenty Green Africa

Marbz, real name Mmabalane Serepo, is the self-taught entrepreneur behind Eating with Marbz as well as a proud food security activist with Plenty Green Africa.

After making waves as a finalist on a national cooking show, she has built a loyal following by creating accessible, exciting, and affordable recipes that celebrate culture and comfort. With a passion for education, Marbz brings joy and heart to everything she cooks.

• Mia Laubscher – Mixologist

Mia Laubscher emerges as a seasoned Mixologist and specialist beverage consultant, boasting an impressive 13-year journey within the hospitality industry.

With a deep understanding of flavours, trends, and guest experiences, Mia continues to elevate the art of mixology across the country.

Nikki Brighton – Eco Food Activist and Founder of Plant Abundance

Nikki is a forager, food activist, and author who will share her unique perspective on wild and uncultivated foods at The Good Life Show. Known for her engaging workshops and talks, she inspires audiences to reconnect with nature, live more locally, and discover the edible abundance in their own surroundings.

Based in Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, Nikki is widely respected for her deep commitment to community and environmental stewardship.

Pinky Maruping – Culinary Industry Innovator and SA Chefs Vice President

With over 20 years of global kitchen experience, Chef Pinky is a powerhouse of innovation, mentorship, and impact. From five-star restaurants to cruise liners, from food styling to product development for top SA brands, Pinky has seen and done it all.

As the first black female director of the South African Chefs Association and a UN-aligned Chef Manifesto ambassador, she uses her platform to champion sustainable practices and uplift the next generation of chefs.

Siphiwe Sithole – Indigenous Ingredients Champion and Founder of African Marmalade

Siphiwe Sithole is rewriting the narrative around African food, one indigenous ingredient at a time. As the founder of African Marmalade, she is on a mission to put underutilized African crops back on our plates and into the global spotlight.

From amaranth to bambara groundnuts, Siphiwe’s work fuses sustainability, heritage, and empowerment.

Sue Gajathar – Founder of The Vegan Chef

As the founder of The Vegan Chef, Sue has turned her vision into a thriving plant-based food empire, redefining South African dining by one bold dish at a time.

Leaving behind a career in tax, she has built a fast-growing, award-winning brand with multiple locations across Gauteng and KZN. With a focus on sustainability, empowerment, and innovation, Sue is proving that vegan food can be both accessible and extraordinary.

Zana Alvarado – Durban-Based Chef Championing Sustainable Cuisine

Chef Zana Alvarado is an award-winning chef and founder of MESTIZO, South Africa’s first fully Latin American culinary experience, and ZAC Bespoke Catering. A Worldchefs Certified Rookie Culinary Judge and Vice Chair of SA Chefs Gauteng, she holds multiple Emirates Culinary Guild certifications.

Her accolades include Unilever Chef of the Year finalist and Hygiene Award winner (2024), National Burger Challenge Champion (2023), and HTA Culinary Mastermind winner (2017). A familiar face on TV, including Master Chef South Africa, she is also a WWF SASSI Brand Ambassador, championing sustainability and farm-to-table cuisine.

Zororo Taruvinga – Cultural Food Advocate and Zimbabwean Cuisine Specialist

Zororo Taruvinga is the visionary founder of ZoroNeMugoti Sustainable Foods in Zimbabwe, where she transforms indigenous crops like tamarind, yams, and wild berries into nutritious, value-added snacks and beverages, bridging agroecology with culinary creativity.

Trained as an Executive Culinary Arts chef and seasoned food & beverage manager, she is also a hospitality consultant and trainer, passionate about sustainable agro-processing and community upliftment.

WOOLWORTHS CHEFS

Mbali Ngidi – Food Product Innovator and Projects Chef at Woolworths

For 11 years, Chef Mbali has brought trend-setting food ideas to life from within the Woolworths Innovation Kitchen.

Her culinary fingerprint is found on countless new products that South Africans love, thanks to her sharp creativity, technical know-how, and deep understanding of local tastes.

Scott Parker – Michelin-Trained Innovator and Woolworths Culinary Manager

Double Michelin-star trained and now heading up culinary innovation at Woolworths, Scott Parker is where world-class technique meets practical brilliance.

He is the co-author of End Your Carb Confusion and a behind-the-scenes architect of some of the retailer’s most exciting products.

IMBO DAILY CHEF

Naledi Toona – Culinary Educator, Media Personality & Family Food Champion

Chef Naledi Toona is a celebrated culinary expert, award-winning academic, and passionate food and lifestyle educator, known for her vibrant, family-friendly recipes rooted in nutrition and everyday ingredients.

She has been featured on South African television and in international media, inspiring audiences with her message that healthy food can be both accessible and delicious. Her work encourages families to get involved in the kitchen and embrace home cooking as a joyful, shared experience.

SPEKKO DAILY CHEF

Zanele van Zyl – Cookbook Author, Culinary Instructor & Founder of Cooking with Zanele

Chef Zanele van Zyl is a professionally trained chef, cookbook author, and founder of Cooking with Zanele, a brand that has inspired thousands of home cooks across South Africa.

From humble beginnings in Bergville to launching her own cooking classes, she has built a thriving food community through her relatable teaching style and soulful, easy-to-follow recipes. With three bestselling cookbooks and multiple media accolades to her name, she continues to make home cooking approachable, fun, and rewarding.

The Good Life Show is also proud to welcome One Rosebank Executive Apartment Hotel as its official hospitality partner for the Johannesburg edition. Located just minutes from the event venue, One Rosebank is an urban sanctuary offering luxurious contemporary suites, sweeping views of the city, and impeccably curated interiors designed for premium comfort.

Pamela Niemand, Managing Director of The One Rosebank Executive Apartment Hotel says: “We at One Rosebank Executive Apartment Hotel are delighted to be the official sponsor of hosting the chefs for the Good Life Show. It brings us immense joy to support culinary excellence and community connection. Our philosophy, rooted in elevating shared experiences and nurturing South African creativity, aligns beautifully with the spirit of this event. We could not be happier to play a part in showcasing the passion and talent of all these chefs.”

Book your tickets now at www.thegoodlifeshow.co.za and be part of a three-day culinary extravaganza that will shift how you think, cook, and eat.