Young culinary star Rorisang Moloi bids farewell to The Taste Master Junior after a heartfelt festive challenge

AT JUST 15, Rorisang Moloi from Atteridgeville has already made a name for himself on South African television.

The prodigy was eliminated from the latest episode of The Taste Master Junior after a demanding festive‑themed challenge that asked contestants to bake gifts for residents of a local old‑age home.

The challenge, centred on the spirit of giving, required each young chef to create three festive treats. Rorisang presented an ambitious trio: a baked pastry with caramel topping, a choux pastry filled with YUM YUM Peanut Butter mousse, and an orange curd tartlet.

While his creativity and technical skill impressed the judges, Zola Nene and Fritz Schoon felt the overall presentation fell short of the gifting brief, citing timing pressures and a misplaced focus on certain elements.

“It’s always nerve‑wracking walking up for feedback, but the judges were honest and constructive,” Rorisang said after the decision. “Their compliments encouraged me, and their critiques helped me grow.”

Enthusiasm undiminished

Despite the setback, the teenager’s enthusiasm for food as self‑expression remained undiminished. “Being part of the show made me realise that food really is an art,” he explained. “I learned how to express love and emotion through the dishes I create, especially for the people who matter most to me.”

The festive bake was particularly meaningful for Rorisang, who enjoyed the opportunity to give back. “I absolutely loved it,” he said. “It felt so special to make older people feel seen and appreciated, especially during a season filled with love and togetherness.”

When asked which component of his menu excited him most, he pointed to the caramel‑topped pastry. “The TODAY pastry I used was amazing to work with. It really helped the idea come to life.” He also expressed pride in his peanut‑butter mousse and choux pastry, noting that he plans to remake the orange curd tartlets for his family.

Looking back on his time in the Taste Master Junior kitchen, Rorisang highlighted pushing himself beyond his comfort zone as his greatest achievement. “I’m proud that I created dishes I never thought I could make,” he said. “I grew so much with every challenge.”

A traditional recipe from home that inspired him during the competition was a vegetable‑centric dish his family loves. “One of those dishes even became a winning moment for me. It really showed me how creative I can be.”

The biggest mindset shift he’s taken away from the competition is learning to accept criticism and use it to improve. “It was tough at first, but listening and making changes became one of my biggest strengths.”

With his elimination behind him, Rorisang is already planning the next steps. “I want to start creating food content and work on perfecting my baking skills. This is just the beginning for me!”

The Taste Master Junior Season 2 airs every Tuesday at 7.:30pm on SABC2, with repeats on Wednesdays at 1pm and Sundays at 4pm.