Benjamin becomes the first Northern Cape winner and takes home R1 million
Andrew “Benjie” Benjamin has made history after being crowned the winner of MasterChef South Africa Season 6.
The 40-year-old Kimberley home cook becomes the first contestant from the Northern Cape to win the prestigious competition, earning the title and R1 million in prize money.
From electricity worker to champion
Benjamin works maintaining hazardous high-voltage electricity transmission lines, but his passion for cooking helped him stand out among the competition’s 20 home cooks.
Known affectionately as “Benjie Baby” by judges, contestants and fans, he quickly established himself as a serious contender.
He won “Dish of the Day” during the second episode and went on to secure seven challenge victories before reaching the final.
Standout dishes
One of Benjamin’s memorable creations was his creative transformation of two-minute noodles into “Crêpes Suzette Benjette”, which impressed Chef Katlego Mlambo.
He also earned praise from London-based guest judge Chef Nokx Majozi for his lamb pie and won R100,000 during the season’s celebration of Mzansi’s food heritage.
A challenging final
Benjamin faced 39-year-old Durban finalist Candice Meth in the final, where both contestants were given 120 minutes to prepare a three-course meal reflecting their journeys throughout the competition.
Benjamin began with pan-fried salmon, leeks and white wine sauce before serving pork belly with fennel and apple purées, mushy peas and red wine jus.
Winning the title
For dessert, he prepared meringue, vanilla sponge cake, raspberry coulis, chocolate crème pâtissière and vanilla ice cream.
The demanding menu tested his usually calm approach, with several elements proving difficult and his decision to bake the apples adding pressure to his limited time.
Despite the challenges, Benjamin completed his meal within the 120-minute limit.
His performance ultimately secured the Season 6 title, making him the latest MasterChef South Africa champion and the first winner to represent the Northern Cape.
