MEET THE TOP 12 OF NYAMA BATTLE: THE MOTHER CITY

After an overwhelming response from viewers across the country, Nyama Battle: The Mother City officially has its Top 12 contestants and South Africans have made it clear that the appetite for bold local flavour, inspiring stories, and real street food culture is bigger than ever.

Episode 1 aired on e.tv on Sunday, 10 May, kicking off a brand new season filled with pressure, passion, flavour, and unforgettable moments.

Brought to you by Boxer and airing on e.tv, Nyama Battle: The Mother City returns with a bold new chapter set against the vibrant backdrop of Cape Town and the Western Cape. Following weeks of entries, online engagement, and nationwide voting, thousands of South Africans came together to help decide which contestants would move forward into the competition.

The result is a diverse and dynamic Top 12 representing different provinces, cultures, cooking styles, and personal journeys, all united by one thing: a passion for food that tells a story.

From township inspired creations and soulful comfort food to refined flavours and modern African street food, this season promises to showcase the heart and hustle behind South Africa’s next generation of food entrepreneurs.

“This season is about more than just cooking,” says the Nyama Battle production team. “It’s about identity, culture, family, entrepreneurship, and creating opportunities through food. We are incredibly grateful to South Africans for voting, supporting the contestants, and embracing what Nyama Battle stands for.”

The selected contestants will now head into the competition where they will battle it out through high pressure challenges, unexpected twists, and flavour packed cook offs designed to test creativity, resilience, and skill.

Meet the Official Top 12 Contestants of Nyama Battle: The Mother City

Sara Nkoenyane | Mpumalanga

Known for heartfelt tradition and comforting home style flavours, Sara’s cooking is inspired by family recipes and village life. Her dishes celebrate culture, community, and simplicity.

Refiloe Ramphele | Polokwane

Nicknamed “The Ice Man,” Refiloe brings cool confidence, flavour packed cooking, and inspiration drawn from global flavours and local street food culture.

Rodney Warren Gelant | Oudtshoorn

Rodney enters the competition with bold flavour, adventurous creativity, and a vibrant personality that reflects his fearless approach to food.

Siphokazi Mdlankomo | Eastern Cape

Passionate about transforming simple ingredients into soulful dishes, Siphokazi’s cooking focuses on comfort, balance, and creativity.

Charmaine Lehabe | Pretoria

Charmaine combines fearless creativity with authentic street food storytelling, bringing unapologetic flavour and soul to every dish she creates.

Ashley Dokter | Karoo

Inspired by family traditions and South African heritage, Ashley’s refined braai flavours and storytelling approach make his food deeply personal and memorable.

Unathi Matha | Western Cape

Unathi blends soulful African flavours with urban inspiration and international influence, creating dishes rooted in culture and community.

Ntandoyenkosi Sikobi | KwaZulu Natal

Founder of a wood fired pizza business, Ntando brings nostalgia, comfort, and family inspired flavour to the Nyama Battle kitchen.

Koketso “Kay” Matlou | Pretoria

Koketso’s township inspired cooking celebrates family, street culture, and memorable flavour experiences that connect people through food.

Swenkie Sithole | Durban

Founder of Swenkie’s Table, Swenkie brings adventurous kasi style cooking and fearless flavour combinations inspired by travel and good vibes.

Bulelwa “Bee” Morara | Cape Town

Known for reinventing street food favourites, Bee combines entrepreneurship and creativity to turn simple ingredients into unforgettable dishes.

Keanon Michael | Strandfontein

Chef and surfer Keanon brings bold street food flavour and creativity while championing seasonal ingredients and produce led cooking.

With emotions running high and the competition underway, viewers can expect explosive challenges, authentic stories, dramatic moments, and some of the most exciting street food creations seen on South African television.

As the contestants prepare to battle it out for the title, one thing is certain: South Africa’s food culture is alive, thriving, and ready to take centre stage.

Catch Nyama Battle: The Mother City every Sunday at 17:00 on e.tv.

Follow the journey online:
@NyamaBattle on social media

#NyamaBattle #TheMotherCity #BoxerSA

ENDS