Motsweding FM Wins Knorr DJ Battle
The irresistible aroma of home-cooked meals filled The Breadbox Bakery in Midrand on 29 May as the 2026 Knorr Radio DJ Battle came to an exciting close, crowning Mokopi Molebatse of Motsweding FM as this year’s champion after an entertaining day of cooking, creativity and community celebration.
Bringing together four SABC African language radio stations, four popular radio personalities, four listener-inspired recipes and one prestigious title, the annual competition once again highlighted the rich culinary traditions that continue to unite South Africans around the dinner table.
Hosting the grand finale was the energetic Lebogang “Funny Chef” Tlokana, whose vibrant personality kept the audience entertained throughout the live cook-off. Dressed in a striking green outfit that reflected the Knorr brand, she guided the contestants through a day filled with laughter, flavour and friendly rivalry.
Competing for the coveted title were defending champion Zimiphi Biyela of Ukhozi FM, Mokopi Molebatse of Motsweding FM, Linda Nzuzo of Umhlobo Wenene FM and Tholoana Moletsane of Lesedi FM. Each contestant prepared a dish based on a recipe submitted by one of their station’s listeners.
The competition began earlier in May, inviting listeners from across the country to submit their favourite recipes featuring Knorr Soup as an essential ingredient. Hundreds of entries poured in, showcasing family traditions, comforting meals and innovative takes on classic South African dishes. Following weeks of on-air engagement and recipe selection, one standout recipe from each participating station earned a place in the live finale.
With ideal weather providing the perfect setting, the finalists transformed their listeners’ recipes into delicious creations under the watchful eyes of an accomplished judging panel comprising DJ Zinhle, Kerry Cuppusamy, Marketing Manager for Knorr South Africa, Phemelo Pule, Knorr Junior Brand Manager, and Chef Sifiso Gwala, Unilever Foods Chef.
Adding even more excitement to the event, entrepreneur, award-winning music icon and Knorr brand partner DJ Zinhle joined Chef Sifiso Gwala for a live cooking demonstration. The pair prepared a hearty chicken stew while sharing practical cooking tips, plenty of laughs and inspiration, proving how everyday ingredients can be transformed into comforting family meals with Knorr.
As the pressure mounted, each DJ showcased both their cooking skills and respect for their listener’s original recipe. After a closely contested competition, the judges awarded the 2026 Knorr Radio DJ Battle title to Mokopi Molebatse. The winning dish, based on a recipe submitted by Keamogetswe Pheto, stood out for its outstanding flavour, creativity and comforting home-cooked appeal.
In addition to seeing their recipe crowned the winner, Keamogetswe Pheto received R20,000 in cash from Knorr South Africa.
Knorr also recognised the exceptional creativity of all four listener finalists whose recipes inspired the competing dishes:
- Nompumelelo Masikane (Ukhozi FM)
- Rethabile Mohata (Lesedi FM)
- Keamogetswe Pheto (Motsweding FM)
- Noluvuyo Sonjica (Umhlobo Wenene FM)
Speaking after the event, Kerry Cuppusamy, Marketing Manager for Knorr South Africa, praised the competition’s ability to bring people together through food.
“The Knorr Radio DJ Battle continues to demonstrate the incredible role food plays in connecting South Africans across cultures, communities, and generations. This year’s listener submissions were filled with heart, heritage, and creativity, reminding us that some of the best recipes come from everyday home cooks. Congratulations to all our finalists, and especially to Keamogetswe and Mokopi for delivering a winning dish that truly captured the spirit of the competition.”
Beyond the competition itself, the finale welcomed media personalities, influencers, food enthusiasts and radio presenters for a celebration of the stories behind South Africa‘s favourite family recipes. From the first recipe submission to the final tasting, the event highlighted the power of food to create meaningful connections and lasting memories.
Whether listeners followed the competition from home, work, in their cars or from their own kitchens, they became part of a month-long celebration of flavour, heritage and community. The 2026 Knorr Radio DJ Battle once again proved that South Africans don’t simply cook meals—they share stories, traditions and togetherness with every dish.
#MakeItNgqoWithKnorr #KnorrWinterHits
