Knorr crowns the ultimate Radio DJ Cook-Off Champion in sizzling showdown

While the weather outside may have been on the chilly side, inside, sizzling pots, and the warm, aromatic comfort of beef stew filled the air at the Capsicum Culinary School in Rosebank, as Knorr’s much-anticipated Radio DJ Battle came to a thrilling close. Five DJs. Five stations. Five mouthwatering beef stew recipes. But only one could be crowned the Knorr Master. And what a battle it was!

Hosted by the ever-entertaining Lebogang ‘Funny Chef’ Tlokana, the grand finale brought together presenters from five of South Africa’s beloved ALS radio stations for a high-energy live cook-off. DJs Zimiphi Biyela from Ukhozi fm, Linda Nzuzo from Umhlobo Wenene FM, Mankoko Mkharhi from Thobela FM, Mannehileng Letuka from Lesedi FM, and Mokopi Molebatsi from Motsweding FM stepped up to the stove to bring a listener’s recipe to life, all while their stations broadcasted the excitement to fans across the country.

The competition, which kicked off a month ago, saw DJs rallying their audiences to send in their best beef stew recipes using Knorr Soup as an ingredient. Listeners submitted their ingredients, cooking tips, and even pictures of their dishes to show why their recipe deserved the spotlight. After weeks of on-air drama, tastings, and tough decisions, one winning recipe from each station was chosen, setting the stage for the day’s live showdown.

In a kitchen buzzing with competitive spirit and camaraderie, the presenters chopped, stirred, and served their way through the pressure, all under the watchful eyes (and tastebuds) of Knorr’s expert judges - Zama Mkhize, Kerry Cuppusamy and Chef Sifiso Gwala. Even everyone’s favourite Horse with the Sauce showed up to give his opinion. And when the steam settled and the final dish had been tasted, one DJ, and one listener, stood out above the rest.

Zimiphi Biyela from Ukhozi FM took home the Knorr Master title, while the ultimate prize of R20,000 was awarded to Zama Ntanzi from Soweto for their recipe that wowed the judges with flavour, heart, and true home-cooked deliciousness.

Knorr celebrates all five listener finalists whose incredible recipes inspired the DJs’ dishes:

• Amelia Lesabane – Bloemfontein
• Dikeledi Josephina Ngobeni – Mabopane
• Mapaseka Otukile – Mahikeng
• Mciteka Zanndile – Cape Town
• Zama Ntanzi – Soweto

“This may have been a cooking competition,” said Knorr Brand Lead, Kerry Cuppusamy. “But it’s really about community, culture, and celebrating the flavours that bring us together. The response from listeners has been phenomenal, and we’re proud to have created a platform that puts real, homegrown South African recipes in the spotlight and demonstrates, so deliciously, how Knorr makes everything more Ngqo.”

Whether tuning in from the kitchen, the taxi, or the office, listeners across the country have been part of a joyful month-long journey, proving once again that when South Africans cook, they bring more than just ingredients to the table. They bring heart.

#MakeItNgqoWithKnorr