YouTuber and television presenter Lasizwe Dambuza is among the celebrities preparing to showcase their cooking skills in the first celebrity edition of Come Dine With Me South Africa.
Known for hosting Awkward Dates and putting guests under pressure during his online interviews, Lasizwe will take on a different role as a dinner party contestant.
The digital personality has admitted that his cooking experience did not go entirely smoothly, revealing that he nearly burnt the meat and struggled to maintain control in the kitchen.
He also said he wanted his dinner party to celebrate South African culture through local food, which he believes has plenty of personality.
Celebrity Edition Set to Premiere on BBC Lifestyle
The six-week series will premiere on BBC Lifestyle, DStv Channel 174, on 18 November 2026 at 8pm.
The production marks the 11th South African season of Come Dine With Me and the first edition dedicated entirely to celebrities.
A total of 24 well-known personalities will participate, with three celebrity guests attending each contestant’s dinner party.
Contestants Compete for R10,000 Charity Prize
The celebrities will compete for culinary recognition and a R10,000 prize, which the overall winner will donate to a charity of their choice.
As in previous editions, contestants will host dinner parties and compete against one another based on their food and entertaining skills.
Narrator Dave Lamb will also return, providing the programme’s familiar commentary throughout the celebrity season.
Moonchild Sanelly, Linda Mtoba and Other Stars Join the Line-Up
Several entertainers and public figures are included in the 24-person cast alongside Lasizwe.
The confirmed participants include singer Moonchild Sanelly, actress Linda Mtoba, sports broadcaster Carol Tshabalala, singer Nianell and actress Tarina Patel.
Musical theatre performer Jonathan Roxmouth, illustrator Karabo Poppy and Brent Lindeque, founder of Good Things Guy, are also part of the line-up.
Television presenter Alphi Mkhwanazi is among the other celebrities scheduled to take part.
BBC Studios Describes New Season as Its Biggest Yet
Pierre Cloete, vice president for Africa at BBC Studios, said the celebrity edition would be the programme’s biggest season to date.
The new series will bring together personalities from different areas of South African entertainment, broadcasting, sport and digital media as they compete to host memorable dinner parties.
