Dustine Tobler bids farewell to 'The Taste Master SA'
The ovens are still warm, but Dustine Tobler's journey on The Taste Master SA has come to an early end.
At 55, this self-taught cook and food stylist from Cape Town became the first contestant to leave the new season.
Dustine entered the competition with a mission: to prove that passion for food knows no age limit. She quickly became a fan favourite, thanks to her warmth, creativity, and infectious enthusiasm.
'Being part of Season Six of The Taste Master SA was truly a highlight of my life,' Dustine says. 'I never expected to make so many new friends or learn so much about myself.'
The first elimination challenge was no easy task, with contestants having to deliver a complete bread course, putting their skills and nerves to the test.
With guidance from renowned chef Zola Nene, the pressure was on, as Dustine chose to create a Mediterranean-inspired olive sourdough.
She poured her heart into the bake, aiming to capture the essence of Mediterranean cuisine in every bite.
'Incorporating olives wasn't just about flavour,' she explains. 'It was about storytelling—bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to the table.'
Despite her best efforts, Dustine's bread didn't rise to the occasion, and she became the first to bid farewell to the competition, according to Blazon Magazine.
The experience was humbling but invaluable, 'this challenge pushed me to confront my weaknesses and reflect on my techniques,' Dustine admits.
'Bread making is a dance with patience, creativity, and intuition.' She leaves the show with a renewed commitment to growth, both in and out of the kitchen.
At 55, Dustine isn't slowing down, as she's on a mission to learn something new every six weeks. 'Growth knows no age,' she insists. 'The scariest challenges can lead to the most fulfilling adventures.'
Now, Dustine is focusing on her catering business, 'Let Dustine Do It,' and sharpening her food styling skills. 'I wish I'd started this years ago,' she laughs,'but I'm more inspired than ever.'
Catch new episodes of The Taste Master SA every Tuesday at 19:30 on SABC 2, with repeats on Wednesdays and Sundays.
For more information, visit www.thetastemaster.co.za. Follow the show on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes moments.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Jeffreys Bay icon dies while surfing the waves that inspired his art
The Jeffreys Bay community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Stephen Bibb, a cherished local artist and surfer, who died on Friday morning while surfing – an act that encapsulated his deep bond with the ocean and the creative spirit it gave him. Stephen Bibb wasn't just a painter; he was a visual poet of the sea , a storyteller whose brush captured the soul of surf culture and the transformative power of water. His vibrant artworks – many depicting the iconic Supertubes – made him a household name in J-Bay and far beyond. Bibb lived only a few blocks from the shoreline, his studio forever infused with the scent of sea spray and the soundtrack of waves breaking. His daily surf sessions were sacred, shaping both his life and artistic vision. Works like 'Ocean Dreams' and 'Carpark Section JBay' became beloved local landmarks in paint – capturing moments of serenity and surf stoke with vivid, flowing energy. His art was born from personal darkness. Bibb often spoke of a period in his life marked by grief and depression. A life-altering moment occurred during a surf session when a pod of dolphins surrounded him. He described the experience as a 'ball of glowing white energy' rising within him – an awakening that catalysed his spiritual and artistic rebirth. From that moment forward, dolphins became a recurring symbol in his work – representing joy, healing, and connection. Bibb's style was unmistakable: glowing line-ups, barreling waves, retro kombis, and soulful ocean moments. His work, once sold in local surf shops and co-ops, gained international popularity through platforms like Displate, making his art accessible to a global audience. Mediums ranged from oils and acrylics to digital art and etched metal. Yet no matter the format, each piece carried his unmistakable reverence for the sea. Bibb wasn't just a painter – he was a mentor, a community supporter, and a quiet force of good. He donated art to anti-crime initiatives, worked with local schools and surf clubs, and inspired countless young artists who found courage in his story. Locals remember him as gentle, humble, and always smiling – especially when the swell was up. Bibb passed away doing what he loved most: surfing the waves that gave him life and voice. Though his death is a heartbreaking loss, many feel peace knowing he left this world embraced by the ocean that so deeply shaped him. He is survived by his family, friends, fellow surfers, and an international community of art lovers who saw the sea through his are underway for a community paddle-out ceremony and a memorial exhibition of his work in Jeffreys Bay. 'The sea has a spirit of its own. It teaches, it heals, and if you listen closely, it paints through you,' – Stephen Bibb. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Carte Blanche: Death in the chicken house
The 22 June episode of Carte Blanche delves into a once-thriving chicken business now mired in controversy, uncovering disturbing reports of animal cruelty, including acts of cannibalism among birds and the presence of decomposing carcasses on-site. The exposé also highlights the plight of workers who allege they have not received their salaries for months, raising serious concerns about both ethical practices and financial mismanagement within the operation. The investigation seeks to uncover what led to the decline of this previously successful enterprise and who is ultimately accountable for the grim conditions exposed. Carte Blanche is a South African investigative journalism television series that airs on M-Net every Sunday at 19:00. Its first episode aired on 21 August 1988 and over the last 34-plus years has earned credibility among South African viewers for its investigation into corruption, consumer issues, and current events. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
9 hours ago
- IOL News
Nandi Madida celebrates 100 episodes of Africa Now Radio and reflects on her journey in music and motherhood
Since 2023, Nandi has led a sonic tour across Africa, interviewing the biggest and best acts, and shining a spotlight on the superstars making waves both on the continent and around the world. Image: Supplied/Rageinc Productions For the past two years, Nandi Madida has hosted Africa Now Radio on Apple Music 1, and on June 20, she reached the 100th episode mark. Apple Music celebrated the milestone by surprising the 'Black Is King' actress with an intimate dinner. Instead of a normal dinner with her Apple Music bosses, Madida was greeted with her husband Zakes Bantwini's face and select media. "It feels like such an honour," beamed after receiving a 100-rose bouquet in celebration. Previous Africa Now Radio hosts include Nigerian DJ and musician DJ Cuppy, Nigerian presenter Dadaboy Ehiz and South African presenter Luthando 'LootLove' Shosha. "To be honest, the time has flown by because it's been so much fun. I've simply been a voice for what has already been happening. This is Africa's natural trajectory,' she shared in our interview. 'It's seamless because the musicians are so incredibly talented at what they do. I just get to represent this amazing movement." Instead of a normal dinner with her Apple Music bosses, Madida was greeted with her husband Zakes Bantwini's face and select media. Image: Supplied/ Rageinc Productions Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The Africa to the World wave, she says, is no longer a dream; it's a reality. "It's happening. The world is looking to us, this beautiful continent, the cradle of humankind and music. 'Of course, the world had to come back here, to see how we do this music thing. It's amazing that Africa is now the benchmark.' On Africa Now Radio, Madida has interviewed some of Africa's biggest stars, Afrobeats star Oxlade, South African amapiano DJ and producer DBN Gogo and Nigerian rapper ODUMODUBLVCK to name a few. Reflecting on the state of Afro music today, she urged young creatives to think beyond trends and commercial appeal. "Afro music is its entity, it deserves to be viewed as more than just another commercial genre or podcast soundtrack. 'My whole career has been about that. I've always gravitated towards creating new ways, paving new roads for the next generation. I want people, especially young ones, to know they can do things differently and still succeed. 'There's a quote I love: 'Who was she and what did she do? She was herself and she did it all.' That's what I want to stand for. I've enjoyed a unique, beautiful career simply by trusting my gut and following my own path." These days, Madida's life is filled with motherhood, podcasting, and intentional living. But fans have noticed a quiet pause in her music and acting projects. Her husband, Grammy award-winning musician Zakes Bantwini, was quick to correct her when she spoke of her music career in the past tense. 'I've been so honoured to do music, to act. My husband often reminds me, 'No, no, you're still doing music, even if it's in-house.' 'It's great to have a partner who supports me fully, especially in a society where we're still unlearning certain patriarchal ideas. He believes in me doing it all.' Her husband is her biggest cheerleader. In his toast to his wife, Zakes Bantwini reflected on seeing his wife lose out on deals because she would not change her views on certain issues, such as her natural hair. @thislove_k Nandi Madida was celebrated by Apple Music for her 100th episode of Africa Now Radio on Apple Music 1. Her husband Zakes Bantwini had nothing but praise for all the effort his wife puts into her show and her pride in being African ♬ original sound - Oluthando Keteyi
