This year marked the competition’s third year in the Eastern Cape and its first in KwaZulu-Natal, extending the programme’s support to a new group of emerging baking entrepreneurs.
Across the two provinces, 20 finalists competed for business capital, training and marketing support. Six bakers received a combined R90,000 in business capital and marketing and branding toolkits worth R180,000, alongside business skills training, media exposure and Snowflake products.
Mbimbi won the Eastern Cape competition at the Blue-Ribbon Hospitality & Cookery School of Excellence in East London on 3 October. Nkosomzi Damana from Gqeberha placed second, while Nthabiseng Mpinda from Mdantsane took third place.
A week later, Mbatha became KwaZulu-Natal’s first provincial winner at the Chef Training & Innovation Academy Durban Campus in Morningside. Nokulunga Mncwango from Mtubatuba finished second, followed by Silindile Dlamini from KwaNdengezi.
Each provincial winner received R20,000 in business capital, with R15,000 awarded to each runner-up and R10 000 to each third-place baker. All six received a marketing and branding toolkit worth R30,000, together with the additional business support.
Open to amateur and emerging professional bakers who have been operating for less than three years, Snowflake Rising Stars gives participants an opportunity to demonstrate both their baking skills and their business ambitions.
At both finals, contestants pitched their businesses and presented a red velvet cheesecake prepared in advance. They then faced a 90-minute pressure test to create a spring-inspired dessert using Snowflake flour.
The judging panels brought together experience in culinary education, pastry and commercial bakery operations, assessing the finalists’ creativity and technical skills.
For Mbimbi, the competition offered an opportunity to build on the work she already does through Crust and Crumble.
“I was surprisingly relaxed during the pressure test because this is what I do every day. All the ingredients came together naturally and made sense with what I had in mind. Winning this competition means so much to me, as it gives me the opportunity to grow my business and flourish with the additional support,” said Mbimbi.
Mbatha described becoming KwaZulu-Natal’s first winner as a milestone with personal significance.
“It feels amazing to be the first winner from KwaZulu-Natal. This is a moment I will cherish for a lifetime, and I truly believe it is going to change my life,” she said.
“My grandmother introduced me to Snowflake, so the brand has always held a special place in my life.”
“Siphosethu and Snethemba impressed the judges with their technical skill, creativity and clear ambitions for their businesses. Both delivered under pressure and earned their provincial titles against strong competition. We are proud to recognise what they have achieved through Crust and Crumble and ChefS’ne_M, and to support their next steps,” said Sibongile Mooko, marketing executive at Premier.
Mbimbi is expected to showcase her products at Hemingways Mall in East London from 29 October to 1 November 2026. Mbatha will be at Gateway Theatre of Shopping from 5 to 8 November 2026. These showcases extend the competition beyond the judging stage, giving the winners a platform to promote their products, connect with potential customers and build awareness of their businesses.
For more information about Snowflake Rising Stars visit www.snowflake.co.za/competitions.
