Frequently Asked Questions

1.    What is MasterChef South Africa?
The show is the local version of the world’s biggest television cooking competition. 

20 passionate home cooks from across the country cook up a storm to impress three South African MasterChef celebrity judges – hoping to make their culinary dreams come true. Throughout the season, the contestants participate in exciting yet tough challenges that will test their cooking skills and creativity. However, based on their performance, only one of the cooks stays in the kitchen until the end to become South Africa’s MasterChef. 

2.    Who are the judges?
The three celebrity judges of MasterChef SA are all well-known and respected names in the South African food industry. 

3.    What is the prize for winning the show?
The winner of MasterChef South Africa will scoop a cash prize of R1m and the coveted title of MasterChef South Africa. 

4.    How do I enter MasterChef?
You need to complete the online application form on our website – masterchefsa.tv. Click on the “Enter” button on the home page, follow the prompts and fill in all the fields. You will also have to supply a picture of yourself as well as a short introductory video.

What is the closing date for entries?
16 OCTOBER 2025

5.    Who do I contact if I experience technical problems with submitting the form?
Drop us an email at info@masterchefsa.tv. Please specify the technical problem you are experiencing.  

6.    Who should enter? How do you choose the contestants?
When choosing contestants for MasterChef SA, the following aspects will be taken into account: culinary skills, enthusiasm, drive, love of food, and a desire to change your life.  The competition is for enthusiastic amateur home cooks and not for qualified chefs. This decision is made by the show’s producers, with the help of culinary experts, and their decision is final.

7.    Is there an age restriction for entry?
Yes. Entrants must be 18 years old or older on 3 NOVEMBER 2025

8.    I have done a cooking course, can I still enter?
All MasterChef SA contestants must be amateur cooks. If you have obtained a professional culinary qualification or have professional kitchen experience that the producers think could give you an unfair advantage, you will not be allowed to enter.  This is entirely at the producers’ discretion.
 
9.     Do I have to quit my job? 
Successful contestants must be available to leave their daily commitments to compete for 6 weeks in Cape Town (27 October 2025 to 12 December 2025 – exact dates to be confirmed.)
 
10.     I worked as a waiter, can I still enter?
You can enter if you haven’t worked full-time in a commercial kitchen as a cook, chef or in food preparation.
 
11.    Do I have to be a South African citizen?
Yes. You must be a South African citizen or have permanent residence status. You must be able to show proof of citizenship or residency in the application process. No exceptions will be made.

12.    How does the audition process work?
•    Phase one – Online entry on the MasterChef South Africa website (masterchefsa.tv).
•    Phase two – A selected list of candidates will be invited to do Zoom interviews.
•    Phase three – A shortlist of entrants will be invited for a live audition in Cape Town at our cost. 

13.    Can employees or associates of MasterChef SA enter the show?
Employees of Homebrew Films, Primedia Group or e.tv may not enter the show. 
Employees of any of the sponsors of the series may not enter.

14.    May I enter the show if I entered a previous season of MasterChef South Africa? 
You’re welcome to enter again if you weren’t one of the 20 finalists. 

15.    May I enter the show if I have been on other reality shows?
Yes, given that you disclose all the reality shows in which you have participated.

16.    Will a background check be done on all entrants?
If you are shortlisted for the show, you also agree to authorise the producers to conduct background checks to verify any of the information supplied. Please note that consenting to these checks is no guarantee of being chosen to participate.

17.    When will I be notified if I am successful or not?
You will only be contacted by the production company for further details should your entry be shortlisted. 
Should your entry be successful and shortlisted, the production company will contact you by 13 October 2025.

18.     Can I enter the show more than once to improve my chances?
Multiple entries are not permitted. Entries are only valid if correctly submitted on the entry platform.

19.    Do I have to agree to all the terms and conditions to enter?
Your valid submission of your entry constitutes your binding acceptance of the terms and conditions contained herein.

20.    When does filming take place?
Filming will take place from 3 November – 12 December 2025 – final dates will be confirmed is you are shortlisted. 

21.    Where is the MasterChef South Africa kitchen?
Cape Town

22.    Is wardrobe provided or do we bring our own clothes?
You are required to bring your own clothes for the production. Keep in mind you will be wearing a supplied MasterChef apron.

23.    Will there be any medical, physical or psychological screenings? 
If the producers shortlist you, you must be prepared to undergo psychological and medical screenings. Please note that the full details of this will be explained to you in advance. The producers will however do a background check on all finalists.

24.    Will I have control over what is put on air about me on the show?
You do not have editorial control of the content. The producers’ decision on what to include in the show is final, but we will only ever use material provided to us by the participants.

25.    Do I have to participate in every activity planned for the show?
Yes, you have to participate in every MasterChef South Africa culinary challenge.

26.    Will I get paid to compete?
No, but a stipend will be issued for time away from home.

27.    Will the production pay for travel and accommodation?
The producers will pay for your travel expenses within South Africa, if you are selected as one of the 18 finalists and do not live in Cape Town. During filming, all the finalists will stay at accommodation provided by the producers 

28.    Can I quit at any stage? 
Yes, you may but it will be done in cooperation and discussion with producers and to also work for the brand and show. 
 

The following list contains common questions regarding registration with the Cast It Reach platform. The answers given here should solve most of the issues registrants may face during registration.

Registration and Sign In

Q: I try to register and see the following message: "Email address already exists".
A: This happens when a user is already registered with their email address but tries to register again. Simply enter the system using the Sign In window instead of Register.

Q: I am already registered to the system. Now I try to sign in and I get the following message: "Incorrect email or password".
A: This can happen for two possible reasons:

1. You may have forgotten your password. Simply click on Forgotten my password and a new password will be sent to your email address.
2. You may have used a different email address or made a typo when you first registered. For example, typing user@gamil.com instead of user@gmail.com. In such case, please contact us and provide your name and email address.

Q: I get a message telling me that my session has expired, or that my browser blocks cookies.
A: A session expires after several hours of inactivity. Simply sign in again using the Sign In window. If it happens again after you signed in, make sure that cookies are enabled in your browser.

Q: What browsers can I use to register?
A: The registration system works best on Chrome browser. It also supports Firefox (version 3.5 and newer) and Internet Explorer (version 10 and newer), Safari and Edge.

Completing the Application Form

Q: I click on the Next button to go to the next page, but the system won't let me.
A: The system allows you to progress to the next page only after all required questions (marked with a red star) have been completed. Scroll up to find the missing answer, which will be marked with a red message such as: This field is required.

Q: I haven’t finished answering all the questions. Can I save my work and continue later?
A: Yes. Simply click on the Continue Later button and the system will save your progress. You will be able to return and complete your application at any time using the Sign In panel. Use your email address and the password you chose to sign in.

Media Upload

Q: I am trying to upload photos but I get the following message: "Max file size 6MB".
A: Photo upload is limited to 6MB per image.

Q: My photos are smaller than 6MB but I still get an error message.
A: Supported formats are common image formats: JPG, GIF or PNG. Please verify that the images you upload are in one of these formats.

For any more information, or if you have any other queries please email info@masterchefsa.tv