Lentswe Bhengu (born July 22, 1986) was a South African celebrity chef and television personality. He is best known for hosting many food-themed shows.
The late sought-after television presenter was prominent for fusing emotion with fine dining. He looked at food festivals, events, and expos.
The Chef wanted to launch his cookbook, Africa on a Plate, in 2024. Lately, he appeared on the Mzansi Magic aired television show We Start 2023 Stronger.
Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko  | |
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| Quick Facts | |
| Full Name: | Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko |
| Other names: | Chef Lentswe |
| Born: | July 22, 1986 |
| Place of Birth: | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Died: | February 28, 2023 (age |
| Place of Death: | Sandton Medi-Clinic |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | The Culinary Academy, Cape Winelands |
| Occupation: | Chef, TV host |
| Cause of Death: | Brief illness |
Early Life
Lentswe Bhengu was born July 22, 1986, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Growing up, he was eager to do things about food and dining.
As a boy of eight years, Bhengu had already begun cooking as he followed his mother around the kitchen.Â
Education
Lentswe graduated as a professional chef from The Culinary Academy in the Cape Winelands.
Career
After completing his studies, he entered the culinary scene. He worked with some top restaurants in the country.
At first, he worked in investment banking but dropped his suit for what he loved doing, cooking, in 2010.
Some reputable fine dining restaurants he has worked with include The Savoy Cabbage, The Roundhouse Restaurant, and Saucisse Deli.
Bhengu has established his presence in other countries. He filmed the series and provided online food content. He was also a presenter for a local television cooking show Kasi Kitchen. The show aired on Soweto TV for six months in 2014.
On SABC3 Expresso, the talented Chef made many appearances as a guest chef. He was also a regular Master of ceremonies and Chef at food festivals, expos, and events in South Africa.
Chef Lentswe started to host season two of the BBC Lifestyle competition series The Great South African Bake Off in 2016, taking over from Donovan Goliath.
The following year, he hosted the advertiser-funded cooking reality series Flava Queens. The show aired for six episodes on the privately owned free-to-air television station E.tv.
Personal Life
Cause of Death
Lentswe Bhengu died on February 28, 2023. He suffered a brief illness that claimed his life at Sandton Medi-Clinic. The Mafoko and Bhengu families announced on Wednesday.Â
“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the untimely passing of our beloved son and brother, Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko, fondly known to the media and his culinary family as Chef Lentswe,”