“Bridget Mangwandi bagged the title and the R1 million cash prize. Her remarkable journey and talent captivated the nation during the competition’s electrifying finale,” reports Konnect Pulse.

During the showdown, in which the top 2 had to whip up a million-rand-worthy two-course meal showcasing African excellence and expressing their evolution from home cook to chef extraordinaire, Bridget drew inspiration from her mother’s favourite recipe, apricot chicken, report SABC3.

The first black female winner in South Africa. Photo: Instagram

“For her main course, she reimagined her mother's cherished apricot chicken dish, substituting Kingklip for a modern twist. Her plate featured apricot-glazed kingklip on a bed of kale risotto, served with cauliflower purée, coconut cream, and a sprinkle of chives.”

Her dessert was a show-stealing masterpiece: an exquisite creation featuring Italian meringue encasing choux pastry within a shortcrust shell, filled with luxurious Amarula.

Photo: Facebook/ MasterChef South Africa

“Her culinary journey began modestly at age seven, assisting her hardworking mother in the kitchen. Inspired by shows like Chopped and The Great British Bake Off, she honed the skill of elevating simple ingredients into extraordinary dishes.

“Today, her creativity shines in every recipe she crafts, merging innovation with a profound passion for connecting with people through food,” reports Exquisite Magazine Nigeria.

According to The Citizen, Mangwandi learned of her victory months before the final broadcast of the show on Saturday (23/11), making it challenging for her to keep the secret.

In an Instagram post where she proudly holds the trophy, she wrote: “Today, I’m holding more than just a trophy – I’m holding a dream turned reality, a vision brought to life, and proof that nothing is impossible.

“The youngest MasterChef winner in the world. The first black female winner in South Africa. Two milestones. One moment. History made.

“People will ask how I got here, and the answer will always be the same: resilience, faith, and never letting the noise distract me from the mission.

‘Let’s toast to history in the making’

“This is bigger than me – it’s a celebration of breaking barriers, rewriting stories, and showing that greatness is ours to claim. And to anyone still wondering: Yes, you can.

“You are capable. You are worthy. You are unstoppable. Let’s toast to history in the making, and trust me, this is only the beginning.” 

OFM News mvh