Zola Nene and Fritz Schoon Back to Crown the Next Taste Master Junior

After an incredibly successful debut season, The Taste Master Junior makes its anticipated return this month. Over 12 exciting weeks of culinary creativity, 12 passionate young foodies will step into the kitchen, guided by the expert eyes and taste buds of judges Zola Nene and Fritz Schoon. The journey promises delicious challenges, inspiring stories, and plenty of fun before one rising star is crowned the next Taste Master Junior.

The show, brought to you by Clover, officially premieres on SABC2 on Tuesday, 7 October at 7:30 pm, with repeats every Wednesday at 1pm and Sunday at 4pm.

Celebrity chef, author, and television personality Zola Nene is one of South Africa’s most loved culinary voices. A trained chef from the Institute of Culinary Arts in Stellenbosch, Zola has spent over a decade sharing her passion for food both on screen and in print. She has authored three award-winning cookbooks, Simply Delicious, Simply Zola, and Simply Seven Colours, and appeared in hit shows such as The Expresso Morning Show, The Great South African Bake Off, and Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted. Now a judge on The Taste Master SA and The Taste Master Junior, Zola continues to inspire with her warmth, creativity, and deep love for the stories food can tell.

Joining her on the judging panel is baker, entrepreneur, and food visionary Fritz Schoon, whose passion for honest, real food has inspired a growing brand of eateries and artisanal products under the name SCHOON. From his apprenticeship in Knysna to opening his first bakery in Stellenbosch, Fritz has built a reputation for innovation and quality, connecting local artisans and farmers through his vision of sustainable, authentic food experiences. Fritz started Schoon, branched out into multiple stores and sold the business last year. He has since moved to Stilbaai and recently opened Pain Africain, a small Sourdough bakery and Cafe.

Together, Zola and Fritz bring the perfect balance of flavour, creativity, and expertise to ‘The Taste Master Junior’, inspiring contestants and viewers alike with their passion for food and storytelling. 

The second season of ‘The Taste Master Junior’ promises to be bigger and better, with unforgettable challenges and heartwarming moments as South Africa’s youngest culinary talents showcase their skills.

"I am so excited to be back as a judge on The Taste Master Junior,” Nene says. “These young contestants remind us that food is about joy, curiosity and sharing, and I cannot wait to encourage them as they find their voices through food."

Schoon adds “It is an incredible honour to be part of a platform that inspires young culinary talent. My focus here is not just to judge the final product, but to instil in these juniors the discipline of quality and the courage to find their unique creative voice. The passion they bring to the kitchen today is the foundation of South Africa’s food culture tomorrow.”

The Taste Master Junior Season 2, brought to you by Clover, premieres Tuesday, 7 October 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.