KwaZulu-Natal crowns its first Rising Stars baking winners

Snowflake Rising Stars marked its KwaZulu-Natal debut by naming the province’s first winners at a live competition in Durban, bringing business funding, training and marketing support to emerging local bakers.

Snowflake has been a trusted baking and cooking partner in South African kitchens for more than 140 years. With a range of quality flours, baking mixes and baking aids, Snowflake inspires creativity, builds confidence and helps bakers and cooks create simply irresistible food for everyday moments and special occasions.

Through its Snowflake Rising Stars initiative, the brand extends this partnership to emerging baking entrepreneurs, combining recognition of talent with practical business support to help turn baking skills into sustainable livelihoods. It reflects Snowflake’s belief that the joy of homemade food can bring people together and create opportunities for individuals, families and communities to thrive.

Snethemba Mbatha, owner of ChefS’ne_M in Umzinyathi (Ndwedwe), took first place at the Chef Training & Innovation Academy Durban Campus in Morningside on Saturday 10 October. Nokulunga Mncwango from Mtubatuba placed second, followed by Silindile Dlamini from KwaNdengezi.

The competition’s arrival in KwaZulu-Natal builds on its establishment in the Eastern Cape and opens the programme to a new group of baking entrepreneurs. Ten finalists from Phoenix, Mtubatuba, Umzinyathi (Ndwedwe), Berea, KwaDukuza, Chase Valley and Pietermaritzburg competed for support to help develop their businesses and reach more customers.

Open to amateur and emerging professional bakers who have been operating for less than three years, Rising Stars combines recognition of baking talent with practical business support.

Finalists pitched their businesses and presented a red velvet cheesecake prepared in advance before taking on a 90-minute pressure test to create a spring-inspired dessert using Snowflake flour. A panel of industry professionals assessed their creativity and technical skills.

The judges were Chef Kevyn Buys, founder of Professional Chefs Academy; Chef Zandria De Nobrega, lecturer at Fusion Cooking School; and Willem Pietersen, Technical Sales Representative at Premier. Their combined experience covered pastry, culinary education and commercial bakery operations.

“It feels amazing to be the first winner from KwaZulu-Natal. This is a moment I will cherish for a lifetime, and I truly believe it is going to change my life. I am overwhelmed with happiness and excitement, and I cannot thank Snowflake enough for this incredible opportunity. My grandmother introduced me to Snowflake, so the brand has always held a special place in my life. I will continue baking with Snowflake as I look forward to this exciting new chapter.” said Mbatha.

The inaugural winner received R20 000 in business capital, while the second and third-place bakers received R15 000 and R10 000 respectively. Each of the top three also received a marketing and branding toolkit worth R30 000, business skills training, media exposure and Snowflake products to support their next steps in business.

“Mbatha has shown the skill and ambition to build a successful baking business. Through Rising Stars, we can support that ambition with capital, business training and marketing tools that help reach more customers. Bringing the competition to KwaZulu-Natal gives bakers like her a platform to be recognised and practical support to grow,” said Sibongile Mooko, Marketing Executive at Premier.

Ayanda Chiliza, representing eThekwini Municipality, said: “Go out there, grow your business and don’t be afraid to start from scratch. Keep shining, stay fresh and never give up on your dreams. Partner with Snowflake to help your business thrive and remember that eThekwini Municipality’s Business Support team is here to assist you with the support you need to grow and succeed.”

To place an order or enquire about ChefS’ne_M’s products, contact Snethemba on 082 220 4748, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit Facebook Chef S’ne_M, Instagram chef.sne_m and TikTok Chef S’ne_M. You can also meet them in person at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping on 5 – 8 November 2026 where there will be sampling products.

For more information about Snowflake Rising Stars, visit www.snowflake.co.za/competitions.

MEDIA CONTACT

Carlin Apollos
067 901 0791
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www.dotgood.co.za

ABOUT SNOWFLAKE

Snowflake, a Premier brand, offers a trusted range of high-quality baking and cooking products. The brand aims to empower bakers and cooks to create simply irresistible food for every occasion, supported by consistent quality they can rely on. Through initiatives such as the Snowflake Rising Stars competition, Snowflake helps nurture emerging talent and gives aspiring baking entrepreneurs opportunities to turn their passion into sustainable businesses. Premier is committed to supporting the communities in which it operates by investing in local talent, entrepreneurship, growth and innovation. For more information, visit www.snowflake.co.za/competitions.