Emalahleni’s ‘Star Mom’

Beatrice stirs the big pot of fluffy white maize meal. The delicious smells wafting from the Ngcobo family house in Klarinet makes the neighbours’ mouths water.
“Now that woman can cook!” they would say as she would ladle spoonfuls of thick pap into bowls.

Beatrice Phelile Ngcobo (65) was recently announced as South Africa’s ‘Star Mom’ 2015 semi-finalist. She’ll be representing eMalahleni and the Mpumalnga province in this ‘Star Mom Search’ national competition hosted by White Star.
In May (mothers’ month), White Star launched their search for their ‘Star Mom’ and families were given the opportunity to nominate their mothers and give motivation why she would be the perfect candidate for this competition.

Beatrice was one of the many candidates chosen, nominated by her granddaughter Sindi. “I was so surprised,” said Beatrice, laughing pleasantly. Out of all the other candidates from as far as Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban, etc; Beatrice and Sindi were chosen as winners during the semi-finals that took place on Saturday July 25 at the Riverside Mall in Nelspruit.

To be chosen as the next ‘Star Mom’, judges are looking for a mom who can cook, who is versatile, and who can turn a traditional pap dish into a gourmet meal or even a decadent dessert.
Beatrice exceeds the requirements. Currently living with her four children and grandchildren, this versatile Mom is used to cooking for a big family. Sindi nominated Beatrice, knowing she’ll be a huge hit and astound judges with her delicious maize meals.

Beatrice, assisted by Sindi, took part in the competition along with all the other candidates chosen to show off their cooking skills at selected malls throughout South Africa. Only four moms from each region were selected to participate in the semi-finals. “I’m very impressed,” Beatrice told after walking out as semi-finalist winner with her granddaughter. “I told the judges, I am going to try to be the best.”
Beatrice stays modest and humble about her recent victory. Along with Sindi, she prays that they will get far during the finals.

The prize is definitely one worth competing for. A family holiday for four comes with not only the title, but an all-expenses paid cruise from Durban to Mozambique in December.
Actress, singer and self-made cooking expert Lucia Mthiyane and recent winner of Outstanding Supporting Actress Award, Mapaseka Koetle, have been selected to judge the competition which will see the dynamic duo travelling all over the country visiting malls in search of the ‘Star Mom’.

“This competition highlights the fact that White Star honours all hard-working mother’s in our country and more so the winning ‘Star Mom’ will be crowned in August, fittingly during Women’s Month,” said White Star Marketing Manager, Mokhele Makhothi

Good luck to Beatrice and Sindi on their way to the finals.