As the excitement builds for the 2024 Food&Home Awards, we are thrilled to introduce our esteemed panel of judges who will be responsible for selecting the best brands and products South Africa has to offer. Each of these individuals brings a unique passion for food, and together, they represent the heart and soul of what makes this year’s awards special.
Bianca Muller – Brand Editor of Food&Home
At the helm of Food&Home magazine, Bianca Muller is the creative force behind both the print and digital platforms. If eating were a hobby, it would be her absolute favourite! With an insatiable curiosity for new dishes and local eateries, Bianca is always on the lookout for the next great food experience.
“It’s an honour to host another Food&Home Awards this year, where we can shine a spotlight on our country’s wonderful brands,” says Bianca. Her favourite part of the judging process? Discovering new brands and products, especially the sweet treats that come along with them!
Thilivhali Mugwena aka “Meals with Mash” – Chef, Content Creator and Food&Home‘s Content Producer
Thilivhali, known affectionately as “Meals with Mash,” is the content producer for Food&Home and one of the faces behind the mouthwatering recipe videos you see across our social media. A chef and popular food influencer, Thili’s dishes have captured the hearts of thousands. Her social media pages are packed with delicious recipes that make you want to dive into the kitchen.
As a judge for this year’s awards, Thili brings her chef expertise and digital storytelling flair to the table.
Jezza-Rae Larsen – Habari Media’s Recipe Developer & Food Stylist
Originally from Limpopo, Jezza-Rae moved to Cape Town in 2015 to pursue her passion for culinary arts. A recipe developer and food stylist for Food&Home, Jezza combines her love for cooking with creativity, crafting delicious dishes that are as beautiful as they are flavourful. She’s also the talented force behind our beautiful magazine covers.
“My job allows me to tell a story through food,” says Jezza, who also creates recipes for other magazine titles like Garden&Home and Rooi Rose. She enjoys traveling and experiencing different cultures through their cuisines, which keeps her cooking style fresh and exciting. As a judge, she’s thrilled to explore new brands and appreciates the creativity and hard work that go into making each product stand out.
Lufuno Sinthumule – Chef, Lecturer, Content Creator & Cookbook Author
Known as Chef Funi, Lufuno Sinthumule is a celebrated chef, cookbook author, and lecturer with a strong background in food studies. His journey in the culinary world began with family meals prepared by his grandparents, which ignited his lifelong passion for food. With a special love for baked goods like scones and breads, Lufuno has earned the title of the “Scones King” among his followers.
As a judge for the 2024 Food&Home Awards, Chef Funi is eager to explore new flavours and celebrate South Africa’s vibrant food scene. “I’m thrilled to join the judging panel,” says Lufuno. “It’s an honour to contribute to recognising excellence in our country’s culinary industry.”
Shawn Godfrey – Winner of MasterChef SA & Creator of “The Roasted Dad”
Serial entrepreneur and MasterChef South Africa 2021 winner, Shawn Godfrey, is making his debut as a judge for the 2024 Food&Home Awards. Shawn’s culinary journey started during the Covid lockdown, and what began as a therapeutic hobby quickly turned into his passion project, The Roasted Dad.
On his blog, Shawn shares recipes and reflections on life, cooking, and the MasterChef experience. With a newfound appreciation for South African ingredients and cuisine, Shawn loves pushing his limits in the kitchen, but for the Food&Home Awards, he’s eager to sample new products alongside his family. “There isn’t much the Godfrey family doesn’t eat,” he laughs, “so we’re excited to see what leading South African brands have to offer.”
Dominique Fuchs – Food Blogger & Creator of “Kosvraat”
Dominique, the self-professed food lover behind Kosvraat, is known for her honest reviews and mouth-watering recipes. With a deep-rooted love for food that dates back to childhood, Dominique combines her passion for trying new restaurants and cuisines with a flair for baking. Her favourite dishes often involve sweets, with her signature banoffee pie and peppermint pie making regular appearances at family gatherings.
“I was so excited to be asked to be a judge! It’s such a big honour,” Dominique says. “It’s a delight to try the products and enjoy the variety of tastes. It really is a foodie’s dream come true.”
Dominique’s love for food shines in her judging role, where she’s especially eager to discover new products that spark excitement. For her, the most fulfilling aspect of judging is “feeling like a kid in a candy store” as she tastes products she hasn’t tried before.
ALSO SEE: Meet the winners and runners-up of the F&H Awards 2023
