LIESCHEN Basson, a 16-year-old learner from Hoërskool Cillié in Gqeberha, is making waves as the only representative from the Eastern Cape in the debut season of The Taste Master Junior.
This exciting baking competition showcases the best young bakers from across South Africa, with 12 talented contestants between the ages of 13 and 17 years old vying for a grand prize worth over R200 000.
Basson’s passion for baking began during the 2020 lockdown when his dad introduced him to the joys of baking. What started as a hobby quickly turned into a full-blown passion, with Basson now eager to explore and experiment in the kitchen.
His dream is to become a pastry chef, and he hopes The Taste Master Junior will be the springboard to make this dream a reality.
The 13-part reality show, produced in partnership with Clover South Africa, puts the young bakers to the test in weekly challenges, pushing their cooking abilities and creativity to the limit.
Familiar judges, Zola Nene and Fritz Schoon, return to viewers’ screens, providing mentorship, critique, and encouragement.
Basson is proud to represent the Eastern Cape on a national level and is excited to showcase his talents.
“I’m thrilled to be part of this competition and can’t wait to learn from the judges and other contestants,” he said. “I hope to make my province proud and show that we have talented young bakers in the Eastern Cape.”
His proud mother, Suzaine Basson, said, “James 1:17 says all good gifts come from above, so seeing him living out his gift on Taste Master Junior has been a dream come true for him and for us and he is honouring God through his gift.”
The Taste Master Junior season premiered on July 30, at 19:00 on SABC 2, with repeats airing at 13:00 every Wednesday and 16:00 every Sunday.
Don’t miss the opportunity to watch and support this local teen and the other talented young bakers in action.
“We are thrilled to have Lieschen represent our school and the Eastern Cape in this competition,” said media spokesperson for Hoërskool Cillié, Nkanyiso Ngubane.
“We wish him all the best and know that he will make us proud.”
Basson’s school principal, Newton Charl Kennedy, said, “On behalf of the entire school community, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Lieschen Basson, a talented and dedicated learner, for being selected to participate in The Taste Master Junior competition on SABC 2!
“We are incredibly proud of your achievement and look forward to watching you showcase your culinary skills.
Your passion and hard work are an inspiration to us all. Good luck, Lieschen – we are rooting for you!”
