‘Celebrity Come Dine With Me South Africa’: Meet the first 4 hosts

Words: Staff Bona / Bona Magazine

South Africa’s first-ever celebrity season of Celebrity Come Dine With Me South Africa is set to bring laughter, drama and plenty of dinner table competition when it premieres later this month.

The popular cooking and entertainment format will launch with a special three-channel simulcast on Wednesday, 18 November 2026, at 20:00 CAT, allowing viewers to watch the opening episode simultaneously on BBC Lifestyle, BBC Brit and BBC UKTV.

The season will then continue on BBC Lifestyle, with new episodes airing every Wednesday at 20:00 CAT for six weeks.

Meet the first 4 celebrity hosts

The first episode will see four South African personalities take on the challenge of hosting the ultimate dinner party. The opening line-up features entertainer Alphi Mkhwanazi, theatre performer Jonathan Roxmouth, creative personality Karabo Ntshweng and internet sensation Primo Baloyi.

Each celebrity will bring their own personality and hosting style to the table as they compete for the title of ultimate host.

From ambitious menus and elaborate themes to unexpected kitchen challenges, the contestants will have to impress their fellow celebrities with more than just their cooking skills.

Picture: Supplied

4 Dinner parties, 4 different approaches

In the opening episode, titled Charm, Chaos & Control: Who Really Owns the Table?, each host will have an opportunity to showcase their creativity and hospitality.

Alphi leans into spectacle, describing himself as a curator rather than a cook. While his energy helps create a lively atmosphere, questions about the authenticity and ownership of the food leave his guests divided.

Jonathan takes a meticulous approach, preparing a theatrical and technically ambitious menu inspired by his background in performance. His dedication to doing everything himself earns respect, although his bold flavour choices also attract criticism.

Karabo brings warmth and humour to her dinner party with an accessible, crowd-pleasing menu. However, unexpected kitchen setbacks put her adaptability to the test.

Meanwhile, Primo opts for a French-inspired theme, using storytelling and atmosphere to create a memorable dining experience. Although some elements impress his guests, others raise questions about the balance between simplicity and substance.

Picture: Supplied

R10 000 up for grabs for charity

Produced by Rapid Blue, the celebrity edition will feature 24 South African personalities opening their homes and putting their hosting abilities to the test.

Beyond the competition and bragging rights, the winning host will also walk away with R10 000 for charity.

With friendships tested, egos challenged and dinner party diplomacy pushed to the limit, viewers can expect six weeks of entertaining moments, spirited debates and unexpected kitchen disasters.

Narrator Dave Lamb will also return with his trademark commentary, adding his observations to the contestants’ triumphs and mishaps.

When and where to watch

Celebrity Come Dine With Me South Africa premieres on Wednesday, 18 November, at 20:00 CAT on BBC Lifestyle (DStv Channel 174), BBC Brit (DStv Channel 120) and BBC UKTV (DStv Channel 329).

Following the special simulcast premiere, new episodes will air every Wednesday at 20:00 CAT exclusively on BBC Lifestyle.

The show is proudly sponsored by World of Sports Betting and is in association with Sunlight.

Featured Image: Bona