Justin Bonello is a veteran filmmaker, presenter, author, and Head of Production at Cooked in Africa Films, where he has shaped some of South Africa’s most recognisable food, travel, and adventure content. Beginning his film career at age 14, he went on to co-found one of the country’s leading production companies and build an internationally respected body of work. To date, Justin has presented more than ten television series and produced over twenty-three, with broadcasts reaching audiences in more than one hundred countries.
His work reflects a life deeply connected to the outdoors, storytelling, and wholesome, down-to-earth food. Growing up between weekends on the Breede River and holidays along the Wild Coast, Justin developed a lifelong appreciation for South Africa’s untamed landscapes and the simple pleasure of cooking over fire. These passions evolved into a career that fuses creativity, travel, and food culture, allowing him to make a living from what he cares about most.
Justin’s productions celebrate authenticity, community, and the natural world, inspiring viewers to reconnect with the land and the joy of real food. As a presenter and speaker, he offers audiences a refreshing perspective on creativity, craftsmanship, sustainability, and building a career rooted in passion.
Justin Bonello presenter, traveller, father, husband, filmmaker, gardener … and not particularly in that order … Filmmaker, veteran presenter, author and Head of Production at Cooked in Africa Films.
Justin Bonello has worked in the film industry since he was 14 years old and he is the co-founder of one of South Africa’s leading film production companies.
To date, he has presented more than 10 television series and he has produced over 23 – broadcast in over 100 countries around the world – and he has no plans to stop anytime soon.
Justin has done the very thing that we all dream of – taking what we care about most deeply and making his world revolve around them.
His passion for the outdoors and South Africa’s untamed beauty is rooted in his childhood where he has spent weekends on the Breede River and holidays at the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape, and as he grew up, so too, did his appetite for good, wholesome, down-to-earth food.
He quickly became a local culinary celebrity when BBC Lifestyle grabbed the opportunity to showcase his home-grown series.
‘Cooked’ kept Justin busy as the first season quickly grew into five, which aired worldwide across a number of premium lifestyle channels.
He also converted his unique outdoor cooking experiences into a cookbook entitled, ‘Cooked in Africa’, which was published by Penguin and became an instant bestseller!
Justin Bonello second book, the pocket ‘Weekend Away’, received rave reviews and his third book, ‘Out of the Frying Pan’ was an instant success!
Since those early days, Justin has gone on to produce and present 13 episodes of ‘Getaway to Africa’, which was seen on M-net, Discovery and National Geographic.
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In this 12 minute 3 second episode of The Anne Hirsch Show, Justin Bonello joins the couch for a spirited, comedic interview that blends playful banter with glimpses into his life as a presenter, producer, and creator of South Africa’s Ultimate Braai Master. Anne introduces him with intentionally exaggerated flair, joking about his “well-done body,” “raw sexuality,” and mischievous on-screen persona, setting the tone for a fast-paced, tongue-in-cheek conversation.
Throughout the interview, Bonello leans into the humour while offering insights into the behind-the-scenes intensity of producing Ultimate Braai Master and Cooked. He speaks about the unpredictable nature of filming outdoors, the camaraderie and pressure among contestants, and the ongoing evolution of South Africa’s braai culture. Anne’s comedic style keeps the energy playful, leading to jokes about tongs, fire, food, flirtation, and her notoriously unpredictable interview antics.
Bonello also touches on his personal journey, including how his love of cooking over fire and his lifelong connection to the outdoors helped shape his career. He explains that he never set out to become a chef but rather a storyteller who uses food, adventure, and South African landscapes as his creative canvas. The conversation combines lighthearted teasing with genuine appreciation for his craft, revealing the personable, grounded side of a public figure often associated with rugged outdoor cooking.
In this 2 minute 44 second cooking demonstration, Justin Bonello walks viewers through his preferred method for braaing a fillet over high flames. He begins by explaining that the intense heat is intentional at the start of the process. A light drizzle of sunflower or canola oil helps the exterior sear quickly, locking in moisture. Bonello emphasises that sealing the meat is essential for keeping the natural juices inside. To avoid puncturing the fillet and losing moisture, he advises against using forked tongs and instead recommends proper braai tongs that grip without piercing.
Because the fillet is thick, the short sear on each side will not cook it through but will create an outer cooked layer roughly five millimetres to one centimetre deep, effectively forming a “capsule” that traps the juices. He turns the fillet multiple times as it colours, mentioning that a touch of sugar can help with caramelisation and balance the savoury flavour.
After resting the meat, Bonello slices it into pieces of any preferred thickness. He notes that the centre remains blue and warm, which he considers ideal because the fillet should not be cold in the middle. He demonstrates the tenderness and juiciness of the slices, pointing out how this method allows each guest to enjoy their preferred doneness. The thinner end of the fillet naturally cooks more thoroughly, providing well-done portions for those who prefer them, while the thicker sections stay rare or blue.
Bonello ends by tasting the fillet on camera, sharing its flavour and texture, and reinforcing that braaiing is about adapting to real fire conditions, understanding heat variation, and cooking intuitively rather than relying on fixed oven-style timing.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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Jenny Morris states “I simply cannot do without it. There is nothing better.” Since those early days, Jenny went on to cater for functions at high school, and later cooked for friends and family. Jenny is the well known creator of Giggling Gourmet a catering company of note. Jenny Morris – AKA The Giggling Gourmet […]
Mi Casa with their signature soulful sound and unparalleled creativity, South African house music group has skyrocketed to success since 2010. They challenge audiences around the globe to take an interest in their unique sound that is hailed truly Global soulful house genre. The trio comprises of 3 highly talented musos: Mo T Mo-T Mi […]
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Mogau Seshoene founded The Lazy Makoti in 2014 after leaving the corporate world to focus on her love for food, and on preserving South African cuisine and heritage. What began as lessons for a friend, a bride-to-be who was afraid of being labelled “The Lazy Makoti” (the lazy daughter-in-law) because she couldn’t cook, has evolved […]
Amanda du-Pont is an actress, television presenter, and commercial and fitness model, voice over artist and business woman. Amanda has acted on numerous television shows such as Muvhango, Generations, A place called Home, City Sesla, Intersexions, End Game, Task Force, Tarryn & Sharon, Kowethu, Mzansi Love and Single Guyz. Amanda has also acted on CBS […]
Boity Thulo is a South African television presenter, actress, model and media personality whose dynamic presence and wide-ranging talent have made her one of the country’s most recognisable entertainment figures. Known for her versatility, charisma and ability to connect with audiences across genres, Boity has spent more than a decade shaping South Africa’s pop-culture landscape […]
Bryan Habana, a name synonymous with excellence in the world of rugby, is a legendary South African rugby player and one of the most electrifying athletes to grace the sport. Renowned for his blistering speed, strategic gameplay, and unparalleled determination, Habana has etched his name in history as one of the greatest wingers of all […]
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