SYNERGY: Natasha Joubert launches her own energy drink MoFaya Berry Queen…

By WSAM Correspondent

This week saw Miss South Africa Natasha Joubert launch her own sugar-free MoFaya energy drink – aptly named Berry Queen.

Joubert and the Miss South Africa Organisation worked closely with MoFaya on creating the pink-coloured, berry-flavoured sparkling drink as well as its striking white, pink and gold can.

Says an elated Joubert: “I am so excited for this incredible product to hit the shelves. It really allowed me to use my creative side and ignite my mind; the tin is feminine and eye-catching and the flavour is delicious. The product is amazing and I can’t wait for South Africans to taste it.”

During the Miss South Africa reality series Crown Chasers – aired on SABC 3 earlier this year ahead of the pageant finale – Joubert was named the winner of “the Down to Business” episode, where the Miss South Africa finalists were introduced to MoFaya energy drinks and asked to create their own innovative energy drink can and build a business plan or marketing strategy for their product.

MoFaya was the first proudly black owned energy drink in South Africa when it was co-founded by DJ Sbu (Sibusiso Leope) and Siphiwe Likhuleni Shongwe back in 2013. The celebrated South African brand has since become a force in the South African marketplace and is the official energy drink sponsor to Miss South Africa 2023.

To its millions of loyal customers, MoFaya has come to colloquially mean “More Fire”, describing the deep-rooted internal burning desire, passion and motivation it inspires and which neatly aligns with its catchy slogan “Ignite your mind”.

Says MoFaya’s DJ Sbu: “We have always wanted our story to ignite passion and inspire those who have started to empower themselves, and in those who are thinking of starting a business. What better than our reigning queen – who is a champion of both education and entrepreneurship – to come on board and inspire others.” MoFaya Berry Queen is rolling out to stores around the country. A percentage of the sales will go towards Joubert’s own Miss South Africa campaign to make education accessible to all South Africans.

Miss South Africa is presented by Weil Entertainment in association with Sun International. SABC3 is the official broadcast partner. – CityLife Arts

Chef Benny brings new roarrr to Simba

FLAVOUR: Collaboration between the seasoned cook and manufacturer of popular crisps aims to create lasting memories…

By  Priscilla Malinga

Former SA Masterchef judge Chef Benny is the face of the new Simba Chips flavour Steakhouse Beef, after he was approached to seize the opportunity to collaborate with Simba Chips on a new brand of chips.

Chef Benny, known for his passion for innovative and mouth-watering creations, was the obvious choice for Simba Steakhouse to collaborate with to develop a unique chips flavour that combines the bold and savoury taste of premium beef crisps.

Benny Masekwameng is a seasoned chef, businessman and television personality best known as the judge of the MNET reality series Masterchef. In total, he judged a total of eight seasons of the Masterchef  series from the inception.

He has worked for various hotels, including the Hilton Hotel group where he kick-started his career before going on to join Southern Sun International. Since then, he has pursued his own interests in the business world.

“Being in business surprises you a lot,” Masekwameng said. “It exposes you to doing things that will leave you surprised of your capabilities”.

The smoke beef has been doing well in the markets for years and the new Steakhouse beef is a new addition to the range.

“This is the Number One experience so far for me[J1] ,” says chef. He says the feedback from his friends, family and the consumers has been nothing but amazing.

 Whenever they buy the packet of chips emblazoned with his photo, they instantly take pictures holding the packet and send it to him to show support.

“It feels so good to see so many people getting excited over something that is also exciting me,” says Masekwameng “Seeing the billboard on the roads with his face on is making my whole family proud”. The process to bring him on board was quick and seamless.

In a society where the braai is more than just a meal the new flavoured chips step into the scene as a tribute to the cherished South African pastime that is also embraced as a local heritage. Every year, millions of South Africans commemorate National Heritage Day, also known as National Braai Day, which is September 24.

Giulia lorio-Ndlovu, senior snacks marketing director at PepsiCo South Africa, says with this new flavour, Simba continues to revolutionise taste sensations by embracing cultural traditions to craft unique flavour experiences. With a commitment to celebrating special moments together the new flavour is set to become the backdrop for laughter, conversation, and the creation of lasting braai memories.

The new flavour is sweet and saucy, with an unmistakable meaty base and hints of BBQ – just like a steakhouse meal would taste.

“We chose Masekwameng to elevate the new flavour to the echelons of taste excellence. A true braai master, Chef Benny adds his touch of mastery, refining snack time by bringing the essence of the braai culture to life,” says Ndlovu.

This festive season, Chef Benny encourages people to try out new ways to make braai, instead of the traditional way of braaing. He says that we should use bigger pieces of meat instead of the usual pieces to make the braai exciting and to try other things like vegetables, chicken breast, fish and many other things you can prepare on the outside fire like potjiekos.

“Dessert can also be made from a braai stand,” he says.