Braai Master contestant killed in crash

in memorium: Neo Chochoe, left, who partnered with family friend Ignatius Mosoane to try to win the Ultimate Braai Master reality show, died in a car accident two weeks before the show aired nationally. Picture: Ultimate Braai Master Website

in memorium: Neo Chochoe, left, who partnered with family friend Ignatius Mosoane to try to win the Ultimate Braai Master reality show, died in a car accident two weeks before the show aired nationally. Picture: Ultimate Braai Master Website

Published Oct 3, 2015

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Durban - The latest instalment of the Ultimate Braai Master show will be a bittersweet journey – one of the contestants died before the first episode aired.

The reality show pits contestants against one another in a series of challenges involving preparing food over a fire. The teams cross the country participating in different events. The show also showcases South African tourist hotspots.

Contestant Neo Chochoe, of Team Rustenburgers, died in a car crash along with her fiancé on September 5, two weeks before the first episode of the latest series went on air.

Peter Gird, executive producer of the show, said: “The passing of Neo is a bitter blow for us all.”

As the show enters its third episode on Sunday on eTV at 4pm, viewers will still be able to watch Chochoe as she progresses through the different rounds of the show.

Gird said that a tribute had been made about two weeks ago on the eTV Sunrise Breakfast show by Ultimate Braai Master presenter Justin Bonello.

“Neo’s braai partner, Ignatius Mosoane, was also in the studio talking about the experience and joy she brought to all of us. We have re-edited an episode in order to pay our respects to her and her family. In fact, we have dedicated an episode to her. This has been done in full consultation with her mother.

“She touched all of our hearts and we are all devastated by her loss,” said Gird.

In the biographies of the contestants, Chochoe was described as an entrepreneur from Rustenburg, and entered the show with Mosoane, a family friend.

The Durban contestants are Tsepo Mchunu and his braai assistant, Ntando Phungula, who call themselves Team Eminent.

The winning team will win R500 000 cash, a Suzuki Sx4, the title of South Africa’s Ultimate Braai Master and the chance to compete at the World Food Championships in Florida.

Independent on Saturday

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