Seth Shezi’s R520K gift to hungry kids

MasterChef winner Seth Shezi turns his victory into a force for good, donating R520 000 to Ladles of Love to provide nutritious meals for preschoolers.

By Venecia Valentine

In a remarkable demonstration of culinary talent leveraged for social good, Celebrity MasterChef South Africa winner Seth Shezi has taken his passion for cooking to new heights. Today in Cape Town, he transformed simple food parcel staples into nutritious, MasterChef-quality meals tailored for preschoolers as part of his inspiring R520 000 donation to the Nourish Our Children initiative, run by Ladles of Love.

Supporting early childhood nutrition

Seth, who emerged victorious in a fierce competition against eleven prominent South African personalities, was awarded the opportunity to nominate a charity to receive his prize donation. His choice, Ladles of Love, will utilise the funds to provide two daily nutritious meals for 175 children from two local preschools: Kids Ministry in Delft and Drie Beertjies in Fisantekraal. This initiative not only promotes early childhood development but also addresses critical issues of food security.

To celebrate this generous initiative, MasterChef South Africa and Pick n Pay hosted a cooking session where Seth showcased his final MasterChef challenge. With a focus on transforming basic ingredients into delicious, balanced meals, he prepared a delightful dish of Pumpkin Purée with Soya Mince Relish, served to school principals, eager learners, and representatives from Ladles of Love, who made up the day’s panel of “judges.”

Winning over the toughest critics

Judged by the discerning tastes of children, Seth reflected on the challenge of creating meals that engage kids while ensuring they remain nutritious.

“I was trying to inject a sense of excitement,” he said. “The kids may get bored eating the same meals repeatedly.” By thoughtfully including naturally sweet ingredients like pumpkin and butternut, he aimed to delight the children’s palates without compromising their health.

“It was quite terrifying to think that I’m going to be judged by children. If they don’t like it, they are not going to be PC about it,” he admitted.

The emotional weight of his contribution was evident as he recalled the privilege of supporting a cause that resonates with his values.

“My life is imbued with fine dining, flying around the world to eat some of the finest food. But there is a sense inside you where you think, how can I make this life choice meaningful?” he shared.

The impact of Ladles of Love

Founded by Danny Diliberto, Ladles of Love supports over 7 000 preschool children in underserved communities, ensuring they receive two healthy meals daily. “Some of these children have never had vegetables before,” Diliberto noted, emphasising the profound impact Seth’s involvement could have on their development.

The programme caters to children from six months to six years, with teachers and caregivers trained in proper meal planning and nutrition.

“Having Seth here today has been incredibly motivating for the cooks who prepare these meals daily,” said Yolanda Jones, Programme Director at Ladles of Love. “We’re confident that his insights will spark new recipe ideas using the ingredients we provide for the feeding scheme.”

Deirdre Mullins, Head of Corporate Social Investment at Pick n Pay, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Seeing Seth share this with those cooking for children daily is truly special. Feeding schemes create real change, and we hope this event drives greater support for Ladles of Love and other organisations feeding young learners.”

She acknowledged the role of nutritious meals as more than just sustenance, highlighting their significance as “hope, dignity, and strength.”