Mzansi’s number one cooking show, Colour Your Plate with KOO, has officially crowned its latest KOOKING sensation Sandanathi Mashita (24), on the thrilling season finale that aired on Tuesday, May 6, 2024.
The Aliwal North star is stirring up flavour in Johannesburg, Sandanathi’s infectious energy, inventive flavour pairings, and show-stopping dishes earned her the crown along with a sizzling R150,000 cash prize.
Her win marks the start of an exciting new chapter as she sets out to inspire Mzansi with colourful, nutritious, and flavour-packed creations.
“This journey has been incredible and a wild ride of self-discovery and bold, unforgettable flavours. Every challenge lit a fire in me, and with each episode, I could feel myself levelling up. I came in hungry for the win, and I never let go of that drive. To be crowned the winner is such a pinch me moment,” said an excited Sandanathi.
This season saw a record-breaking 1.4 million viewers tuning in weekly to witness the culinary magic of Colour Your Plate with KOO season four, rooting for their favourites, picking up fresh tips for their own kitchens, and discovering how to elevate everyday meals with the versatile goodness of KOO’s iconic canned staples.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Sandanathi Mashita as the winner of season 4,” said Neo Dikamotse, Marketing Manager for KOO at Tiger Brands. “She brought an infectious joy and an original twist to every challenge. Her dishes were not only delicious but reflective of South Africa’s rich, diverse culture. This platform continues to spotlight extraordinary talent from all walks of life and reinforces our commitment to promoting healthy, balanced eating in an accessible and inspiring way.”
From the very first cook-off to the nail-biting finale, Sandanathi brought the heat – wowing the judges with fearless creativity, bold plating, and heartfelt storytelling through food, she consistently reminded Mzansi that the humble KOO can is a powerful tool for culinary innovation.
“Winning Colour Your Plate with KOO is a dream come true,” said an emotional Sandanathi. “This show changed my life. Growing up with KOO products in my kitchen, I never imagined that one day I’d be creating signature dishes on national television using those same ingredients. This journey has been about more than cooking – it’s about heritage, courage, and heart. I hope my story inspires someone out there to take a leap and start cooking their dreams into reality.”
Throughout the season, contestants were pushed to think beyond tradition, bringing bold new life to Mzansi’s most loved dishes.
The judging panel – made up of acclaimed chef Reuben Riffel, nutritionist Arthur Ramoroka, host and judge Thembisa Mdoda and a rotating cast of celebrity guests was consistently wowed by the innovation, passion, and cultural fusion on display.
“This season has been nothing short of revolutionary,” said Chef Reuben Riffel. “We witnessed a new wave of South African cooking – fearless, fresh, and full of pride. Sandanathi’s ability to blend creativity with authenticity made her stand out from the beginning. She’s a star in the making, and I’m honoured to be part of her journey.”
More than just a cooking competition, Colour Your Plate with KOO has grown into a cultural movement – a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and the magic we create when we gather around food. And with Sandanathi Mashita now leading the way, the future of Mzansi’s kitchens looks brighter and more colourful than ever.
Stay tuned and be part of the conversation on KOO’s social media pages on Facebook: @KOOFoodZA, Twitter: @Koo_Food, Instagram: @Koofoodsa
Recent Post
Gallery
