Mother-and-son duo Hanna and Dirk van der Westhuizen, both from Aberdeen in the Eastern Cape, won kykNET’s hit food reality show Kokkedoor: Son & See, taking home R500,000 after the final episode of the cooking competition.
From the moment the vibrant soundtrack and sun-soaked colours of the reality series first appeared on DStv channel 144, Kokkedoor: Son & See captured viewers’ hearts.
What unfolded was far more than a cooking competition; it became an intimate exploration of family bonds, legacy, trust and growth, guided by judges Herman Lensing and Yolani Abrahams, who led contestants with empathy, warmth and a deep respect for food heritage.
Kokkedoor: Son & See, produced by Homebrew Films, featured several unique elements that set it apart from previous seasons of the Kokkedoor franchise. Home cooks were required to enter as a team of two family members, with a minimum age gap of 20 years between them.
The grand finale saw Hanna (58) and Dirk (29) face off against fellow finalists Andrew Anderson (57) and his daughter, Leoné Smit (30), in a high-pressure challenge that pushed both teams to their limits.
Each duo had to prepare an elaborate menu for 25 guests, drawing inspiration from nostalgic party food of decades past – from “Crimplene Cuisine” classics and fondue to cocktail meatballs, cheese-and-gherkin skewers and feather-light mousse desserts reminiscent of the 1990s.
As always, Kokkedoor, the latest season of which was filmed in the Western Cape seaside town of Struisbaai, delivered a surprise twist.
Contestants were instructed to cook not only for the judges, but also for the “ducks from their own pond” – a metaphor that soon became literal. Family members and loved ones arrived to support the finalists, triggering an emotional moment marked by tears, hugs and renewed determination in the kitchen.
In the end, the judges were impressed by both teams’ menus, presentation and storytelling. However, it was Hanna and Dirk who edged ahead, praised for their balance of nostalgia and innovation, confident execution under pressure, and the authenticity of their food narrative. They were officially named the first family winners of Kokkedoor: Son & See.
Reflecting on the experience, Hanna said the competition changed her perspective completely.
“Beforehand, I thought it would mainly be about cooking. Afterwards, I realised it’s just as much about being human. You learn who you are under pressure, how deep you can dig, and how to trust – in yourself and in each other,” she said.
Dirk echoed the sentiment, describing the journey as deeply meaningful. “Sharing a kitchen with my mum and telling our food story together was gold. Kokkedoor reminded me why I love cooking – it’s storytelling with your hands,” he said.
Beyond the title, the series forged lasting friendships. Contestants remain in close contact via a WhatsApp group, sharing recipes, encouragement and conversation – a testament to the strong sense of family that developed throughout the season.
As winners, Hanna and Dirk walked away with R500,000 in prize money, sponsored by World Sports Betting, and each received a Mervyn Gers dining set. Runners-up Andrew and Leoné received R180,000, sponsored by Spekko.
All eight episodes of Kokkedoor: Son & See are also available on DStv Stream.
