The Good Life Show returns to the Sandton Convention Centre from 18 to 20 September 2026, bringing together South Africa’s culinary talent for a weekend of indigenous ingredients, heritage recipes, healthy cooking, contemporary cuisine and creative pastry.
At the heart of it all is the IMBO Theatre of Taste, where visitors can enjoy live demonstrations, gastronomic showcases and hands-on masterclasses while discovering new techniques, flavours and inspiration for their own kitchens. Find out who will be appearing in the Theatre of Taste this 2026.
Interact with culinary experts at The Good Life Show
A selection of over ten culinary talents will present demos, showcases and masterclasses on their various areas of expertise in the IMBO Theatre of Taste, which features South African journalist, news anchor, media professional and entrepreneur Mpho Sithole as MC. The schedule is set up as follows:
Friday, 18 September
- 10.30am – Chef Zanele van Zyl brings her cookbook expertise to the kitchen for a demonstration on approachable recipes and practical cooking
- 12pm – Chef Tshepo Pitjeng shines a spotlight on culinary education, skills development and the future of the country’s food and hospitality industry
- 1.30pm – Chef Wandi’s hands-on masterclass explores creativity, technical precision and new approaches to African-inspired cooking while challenging conventional ideas of what African cuisine can be
- 3pm – Chef Vusi Mbatha, The Kruger to Fork Chef, brings the spirit of the Kruger to the kitchen, demonstrating how South Africa’s natural heritage can inspire modern gastronomy
- 4.30pm – Jared Melamed of La Tarte Pâtisserie brings specialist pastry expertise to the culinary programme
Saturday, 19 September
- 10.30am – Solina Naidoo of Perima’s Kitchen brings traditional flavour with a modern twist, demonstrating how heritage, spice and practical inspiration can elevate home cooks
- 12pm – Chef Katlego Mlambo brings a wealth of culinary knowledge and professional expertise to the show, offering visitors an insight into the precision and creativity behind contemporary cooking
- 1.30pm – Chef Gregory Henderson aka The Forage Chef presents a demonstration on the preservation of heritage through whole-grain utilisation
- 3pm – Woolworths Wellness Innovators focus on holistic and conscious eating
- 4.30pm – Mixology Maven, Roxanne Read & The Flavour Whisperer, and Mia Laubscher explore cocktails, spirits and professional bartending techniques, giving visitors inspiration to elevate their own drinks
Sunday, 20 September
- 10.30am – Siphiwe Sithole & Miss B The Most connect indigenous food knowledge with sustainability, heritage and economic empowerment, highlighting the rich possibilities of Africa’s food systems in a demonstration on Sorghum Risotto and Indigenous Cinnamon & Ginger Pancakes
- 12pm – Rea The Cooking Dietitian demonstrates how nutritious food can be accessible, practical and packed with flavour
- 1.30pm – Chef Naledi focuses on creating great-tasting, nutritious food using everyday ingredients, offering practical inspiration for families who want to cook and eat well together
- 3pm – A MasterChef SA Finalists vs The Culinary Masters masterclass
How to visit
Get 10% off your tickets for bookings of five or more tickets. Note that masterclasses are an additional R150pp on top of the admission fee. Be sure to book in advance as space is limited.
Cost: R150pp (R170 at the door) | R120 per pensioner (R130 at the door) | R50 per kid aged 12 to 16 online and at the door | R230pp for a weekend pass (R260 at the door) | U/12s enter free | Book via Quicket
When: Friday to Sunday, 18 to 20 September 2026 | Friday and Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Sunday from 10am to 4pm
Where: Sandton Convention Centre, 161 Maude St, Sandown, Sandton
Website: goodlifeshowafrica.com
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 087 700 6521
Instagram: @GoodLifeShowAfrica
Facebook: @GoodLifeShowAfrica
