Twelve-year-old Talia Naidoo, a learner from Bedfordview Primary School (BPS), was recently crowned one of the champions of season three of Disney Cookabout, cooking up R50 000 for her school.
Her winnings will go towards upgrading facilities, including a vegetable garden at BPS.
She also won a hamper along with a trophy.
“Being on TV was a dream come true for me and winning Disney Cookabout was more than I could have hoped for. I am so happy to have won the money for my school.
“I know that the vegetable garden will help in teaching children about food and healthy eating and I also hope that it will assist families in need,” said Talia.
Talia said she entered the show because it looked like fun and thought she could do really well.
She said she especially enjoyed the different experiences and adventures on the show.
In her spare time, Talia said she plays outside with her siblings and makes focaccia bread from scratch.
She added she wants to be a doctor one day and loves playing sports, including football and netball, and loves her family and her dog, Sasha.
Talia said her parents are her heroes because they make her believe that she can do anything.
Parents of Talia, Belinda and Dean Naidoo, are proud of what Talia has achieved.
“It all started with her desire to participate in the competition, so we encouraged her to send in her clip.
“We hope that her participation and win inspires other youngsters to seek out their passion and go for it,” said Belinda.
Disney Africa wrapped production of the third season of Disney Cookabout in June of 2019.
Production moved to Gauteng for the first time, with an open casting call for children between the ages of 10 and 13.
Hundreds of entries were received and after a two-day audition process, eight new contestants were chosen for season three.
The contestants included 12-year-old Ditiro Simelane, from Edenvale, and Talia.
Disney Cookabout is hosted by comedic duo Chef Kirsten Mohamed and Sous Chef Mthunzi Ntoyi, who guided the contestants as they learned how to create simple and appetising dishes for the whole family.
