Lasizwe Dambuza is stepping away from his usual role of putting people on the spot as he takes on a new challenge in the kitchen on Celebrity Come Dine With Me South Africa. But will the popular entertainer impress his celebrity guests with his cooking skills?
Lasizwe is no stranger to making people uncomfortable in front of the cameras. However, his latest television appearance puts him on the other side of the spotlight.
The YouTuber and host of Awkward Dates is among 24 well-known personalities joining the first-ever celebrity edition of Come Dine With Me South Africa.
This time, instead of asking awkward questions and watching his guests squirm, Lasizwe will have to open his home, prepare a meal and entertain fellow celebrities.
And judging by his kitchen experience, things could get interesting.
Lasizwe reveals his kitchen struggles
Although Lasizwe is confident when it comes to entertaining an audience, cooking for celebrity guests has presented a different kind of challenge.
The entertainer has admitted that things did not always go according to plan, revealing that he nearly burnt the meat while preparing his dinner party.
Despite the kitchen pressure, Lasizwe wanted his menu to celebrate South African culture.
He believes local cuisine has plenty of personality and wanted that character reflected in the food he served his guests.
With three celebrity guests attending each dinner party, viewers can expect entertaining conversations, culinary surprises and perhaps a few kitchen disasters along the way.
When does Celebrity Come Dine With Me South Africa start?
The much-anticipated celebrity edition is scheduled to premiere on 18 November 2026 on BBC Lifestyle, available on DStv Channel 174.
The six-week series marks the 11th South African season of the popular television format, but this time the competition is exclusively reserved for famous personalities.
The concept is simple: celebrities take turns hosting dinner parties, preparing meals and entertaining their fellow contestants.
However, the competition is about more than just cooking. Hosts must impress their guests with their hospitality, food and overall dinner-party experience.
There is also a prize worth competing for, with the winner receiving R10,000 to donate to a charity of their choice.
Fans can also look forward to the return of narrator Dave Lamb, whose trademark commentary has become a familiar part of the programme.
Pierre Cloete, Vice President for Africa at BBC Studios, has described the upcoming season as the biggest edition yet.
Meet the celebrities joining Lasizwe
Lasizwe will be sharing the spotlight with several familiar faces from South Africa’s entertainment industry.
The 24-person celebrity line-up includes personalities from music, television, broadcasting and the creative arts.
Some of the announced participants are:
- Moonchild Sanelly – Award-winning singer and performer.
- Linda Mtoba – Popular actress and television personality.
- Carol Tshabalala – Well-known sports broadcaster.
- Nianell – Singer and songwriter.
- Tarina Patel – Actress and media personality.
- Jonathan Roxmouth – Musical theatre star.
- Karabo Poppy – Celebrated illustrator and creative artist.
- Brent Lindeque – Founder of Good Things Guy.
With such different personalities coming together, the dinner parties are expected to deliver plenty of entertainment.
Can Lasizwe become the ultimate celebrity host?
Lasizwe has made a name for himself by creating entertaining and sometimes uncomfortable moments for his guests.
But Celebrity Come Dine With Me South Africa presents an entirely different test.
From managing kitchen pressure to preparing a meal that celebrates local flavours, he will have to prove that his entertainment skills extend beyond the camera.
His near-disaster with the meat has already given fans something to look forward to.
Will he recover from his kitchen struggles and impress his fellow celebrities, or will another contestant steal the show?
Celebrity Come Dine With Me South Africa premieres on 18 November 2026 on BBC Lifestyle (DStv Channel 174).
Which celebrity would you trust to prepare your dinner: Lasizwe, Moonchild Sanelly or Linda Mtoba?
