Celebrity MasterChef South Africa winner Seth Shezi turned his culinary expertise into a force for good today, transforming nutritious food parcel staples into healthy, MasterChef-worthy meals for preschoolers. This initiative formed part of his R520,000 donation to Ladles of Love’s preschool feeding programme, Nourish Our Children.
Shezi competed against 11 well-known South African personalities, all with a passion for cooking, to win Celebrity MasterChef South Africa, sponsored by Pick n Pay. As part of winning the coveted title, Shezi had the opportunity to nominate a charity to receive the donation. His choice, Ladles of Love, will use the funds to provide 175 small children from two local preschools – Kids Ministry in Delt and Drie Beertjies situated in Fisantekraal – with two nutritious meals a day for an entire year, supporting early childhood development and food security.
To celebrate this initiative, MasterChef South Africa and Pick n Pay hosted an engaging cooking session, where Shezi took on his final MasterChef challenge – demonstrating how simple ingredients can be transformed into delicious yet hearty, balanced meals for growing children.
Schools participating in Ladles of Love’s Nourish Our Children initiative typically receive grains and staples, such as rice, pasta, barley, legumes and beans, proteins, such as pilchards and soya mince, and seasonal vegetables.
The dish created by Shezi, Pumpkin Puree with Soy Mince Relish, was served to attending two beneficiary school principals, 10 young learners, and Ladles of Love representatives, who acted as the “judges” for the day. MasterChef judge Zola Nene was also present, adding to the excitement.
Sharing his inspiration for the dish, Shezi says, “I was trying to inject a sense of excitement as the chefs have to cook similar meals week in and week out, and the kids may get bored. My challenge was to try and look at the ingredients that they receive every week and think of something that potentially they haven’t thought about so that the chefs get excited to cook something new and the kids get something that’s nutritious but also something new. I’ve always liked using butternut and pumpkin for children because they have a natural sweetness, so it makes the kids enjoy the meal without you having to add sugar, so you don’t compromise on the health aspect.
He added that it was really nice to see the children enjoy the meal. “I don’t have children, I never cook for children, so for me, it was quite terrifying to think that like I’m going to be judged by which is probably the toughest critic on earth, which is children because if they don’t like it, they don’t have to be PC about it.”
Speaking about the opportunity to donate the money today, he still feels emotional thinking about it. “My life is imbued with fine dining, flying around the world to eat some of the finest food around the world. But there is a sense inside of you where you think, how can I make this life choice meaningful, and to be given an opportunity like this to be able to close the loop and contribute is incredible.”
“Ladles of Love supports the education of 7,000 preschool children in underserved communities with sufficient nutritious food to provide two meals daily. Principals, teachers and carers are provided with training, meal plans and healthy meals to ensure the small children develop age appropriately, allowing them to grow up to the best they can be,” says Danny Diliberto, founder of Ladles of Love.
“The programme supports children from six months up to six years. Some of these children have never had vegetables before, so having Seth create something delicious but equally nutritious is extremely beneficial,” says Diliberto.
Shezi also shared practical tips on getting creative with staple ingredients. Chefs from Ladles of Love’s Realise A Dream initiative – which equips aspiring food entrepreneurs with essential skills – also attended the session and helped prepare additional meals for the teachers to take back to their learners.
“Having Seth here today has been incredibly motivating for the cooks who prepare these meals daily. We’re confident that his insights will spark new recipe ideas using the ingredients we provide for the feeding scheme,” says Yolanda Jones, program director at Ladles of Love.
Pick n Pay says this initiative celebrates Seth’s achievement while highlighting the vital role of nutritious meals in early childhood development.
“As MasterChef South Africa’s sponsor, we aim to inspire creativity with everyday ingredients. Seeing Seth share this with those cooking for children daily is truly special – it showcases resourcefulness and food’s power to uplift communities,” says Deirdre Mullins, Head of CSI at Pick n Pay.
She adds, “Feeding schemes create real change, and we hope this event drives greater support for Ladles of Love and other organisations feeding young learners. Food is more than nourishment – it’s hope, dignity, and strength. That’s why we have a huge focus on partnering with organisations to ensure nutritious meals reach the most vulnerable.”
