Young Culinary Star Rorisang Moloi Bids Farewell to Taste Master Junior After Heartfelt Festive Challenge

Fifteen-year-old culinary prodigy Rorisang Moloi from Atteridgeville has been eliminated from The Taste Master Junior following a challenging festive-themed episode focused on the spirit of giving. Despite the setback, Rorisang's bright creativity and passion for food as self-expression shone through, leaving a lasting impression on judges and viewers alike. 

This week’s challenge called for baking with heart. Contestants were tasked to craft festive treats to gift to residents of a local old age home. Rorisang presented an ambitious trio of desserts: a baked pastry with caramel topping, a choux pastry topped with YUM YUM Peanut Butter mousse, and an orange curd tartlet.

Despite his best effort, judges Zola Nene and Fritz Schoon felt that Rorisang’s dish didn’t quite hit the mark for a gifting challenge. They said the presentation slipped a bit, likely because of timing pressures and focus placed on the wrong elements. As he departs the competition, Rorisang reflects on his journey, his elimination, and his favourite moments from his time on The Taste Master Junior.

Rorisang, at just 15, you've shown incredible creativity on The Taste Master Junior. How has participating in the show changed the way you see food as a form of self-expression?

Being part of the show made me realise that food really is an art. I learned how to express love and emotion through the dishes I create, especially for the people who matter most to me. 

This week’s challenge was all about giving back. How did it feel to create something festive for the residents of the local old age home?

I absolutely loved it. It felt so special to give back and make older people feel seen and appreciated, especially during a season filled with love and togetherness.

You prepared three different elements for the challenge. Which part of the dish were you most excited about?

Definitely the pastry with caramel. The TODAY pastry I used was amazing to work with. It really helped the idea come to life.

Receiving feedback under pressure can be tough. How did you feel hearing the judges’ thoughts?

It’s always nerve-wracking walking up for feedback, but the judges were always honest and constructive. Their compliments encouraged me, and their critiques helped me grow so much.

Despite the elimination, what are you most proud of from this week’s bake?

I’m really proud of my peanut butter mousse and my choux pastry. I’m definitely going to remake the orange curd tartlets for my family!

Looking back at your time in The Taste Master Junior kitchen, what achievement stands out most?

I’m proud that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and created dishes I never thought I could make. I grew so much with every challenge.

What’s one traditional recipe from home that inspired your cooking during the competition?

My family loves vegetables, so I experimented with veggie dishes a lot. One of those dishes even became a winning moment for me — it really showed me how creative I can be.

What’s the biggest mindset shift you've gained from the competition?

Learning to accept criticism and use it to improve. It was tough at first, but listening and making changes became one of my biggest strengths.

What’s next for you after the show?

I want to start creating food content and work on perfecting my baking skills. This is just the beginning for me! 

Watch new episodes of The Taste Master Junior Season 2, brought to you by Clover, every Tuesday at 7:30pm on SABC2, with repeats every Wednesday at 1pm and Sunday at 4pm.

For more information, visit www.thetastemaster.co.za and make sure you follow The Taste Master SA on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.