The aroma of home-cooked goodness filled the air at The Breadbox Bakery in Midrand on 29 May as the 2026 Knorr Radio DJ Battle reached its exciting conclusion. With four SABC African language radio stations, four talented DJs, four listener-inspired recipes, and one coveted title up for grabs, the competition delivered a memorable celebration of flavour, community, and South African culinary creativity.
Hosted by the ever-charismatic Lebogang ‘Funny Chef’ Tlokana, the grand finale brought together presenters from four of South Africa’s most-loved African language radio stations. In a vibrant touch-of-green ensemble, Tlokana kept audiences entertained throughout the day as she led a live cook-off filled with humour, flavour, and friendly competition.. Competing for top honours were defending champion Zimiphi Biyela from Ukhozi FM, Mokopi Molebatse from Motsweding FM, Linda Nzuzo from Umhlobo Wenene FM, and Tholoana Moletsane from Lesedi FM.
The competition kicked off in early May, with listeners invited to submit their favourite recipes featuring Knorr Soup as a key ingredient. Hundreds of entries showcased the creativity, traditions, and flavours that make South African home cooking so special. After weeks of on-air engagement and recipe selection, one finalist recipe from each station was chosen to advance to the live cook-off.
With favourable weather creating the perfect backdrop for the event, the finalists took to their cooking stations and transformed their listeners’ recipes into delicious reality under the watchful eyes of an esteemed judging panel comprising DJ Zinhle, Kerry Cuppusamy (Knorr Marketing Manager), Phemelo Pule (Knorr Junior Brand Manager), and Chef Sifiso Gwala (Unilever Foods Chef).
Adding to the excitement, acclaimed entrepreneur, music icon, Knorr brand partner and self-proclaimed beginner cook DJ Zinhle joined Chef Sifiso Gwala for a special live cooking demonstration. The duo prepared a hearty chicken stew in front of the audience, sharing cooking tips, laughter, and inspiration while demonstrating how simple ingredients can be elevated with Knorr.
As the competition intensified, each DJ worked to honour their listener’s recipe while showcasing their own flair in the kitchen. After a closely contested battle, the judges crowned Mokopi Molebatse from Motsweding FM as the 2026 Knorr Radio DJ Battle champion. The winning recipe, submitted by Keamogetswe Pheto, impressed the judges with its exceptional flavour, creativity, and comforting home-cooked appeal. As the winning listener, Keamogetswe received an additional R20,000 in cash from Knorr South Africa.
Knorr celebrates all four listener finalists whose incredible recipes inspired the DJs’ dishes:
- Nompumelelo Masikane (Ukhozi FM)
• Rethabile Mohata (Lesedi FM)
• Keamogetswe Pheto (Motsweding FM)
• Noluvuyo Sonjica (Umhlobo Wenene FM)
“The Knorr Radio DJ Battle continues to demonstrate the incredible role food plays in connecting South Africans across cultures, communities, and generations,” said Kerry Cuppusamy, Marketing Manager for Knorr South Africa. “This year’s listener submissions were filled with heart, heritage, and creativity, reminding us that some of the best recipes come from everyday home cooks. Congratulations to all our finalists, and especially to Keamogetswe and Mokopi for delivering a winning dish that truly captured the spirit of the competition.”
Beyond the competition itself, the event brought together media, influencers, radio personalities, and food lovers to celebrate the stories behind South Africa’s favourite recipes. From the first listener submission to the final tasting, the 2026 Knorr Radio DJ Battle showcased the power of food to unite people and create memorable moments.
Whether listeners followed the journey from their homes, workplaces, cars, or kitchens, they were part of a month-long celebration of flavour, proving once again that when South Africans cook, they bring much more than ingredients to the pot. They bring passion, pride, and community.
