Celebrity Chef Lentswe tragically passes away at the age of 37
Chef Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko has tragically passed away after a short illness. He was just 37-years-old. A spokesperson for the popular chef and cookbook author confirmed in a statement: “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 […]
Chef Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko has tragically passed away after a short illness. He was just 37-years-old. A spokesperson for the popular chef and cookbook author confirmed in a statement:
“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.
“Lentswe had the misfortune of suffering a short illness and succumbed (Tuesday) night, 28th of February 2023 at Sandton Medi-Clinic.”
Chef Lentswe was featured on several TV shows including ‘The Great SA Bake Off’. The chef, who was born and raised in KwaZulu-Natal, recently explained how his love for food and cooking was inspired from a young age.
“One of my earliest memories of food was cooking at home. I come from a very big family of 21 siblings, and my father was always very busy. One of his ways to try get us all together as a family was to always be there when it was breakfast time, lunch time or dinner time. For me, when I saw the click of me and my siblings coming together for meal times, when I saw my dad interact with us, that for me made me realise that it’s more than just putting things in your body. It can be a sacred time for families to connect, and also to nourish ourselves.”
Tributes have been pouring in from heartbroken friends, colleagues and fans. One of many fans said: “I first saw Chef Lentswe in the Cheeky Palate Show on Showmax. He was always smiling. He truly looked like a warm soul…”
In the family statement, a passage from the Bible, Revelation 21:4, was quoted: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for he former things have passed away.”
The Mafoko and Bhengu families said they welcome prayers, and request some time to privately mourn the passing of their beloved son.
Details of Chef Lentswe’s memoiral and funeral will follow in due time.
This was him literally forever smiling, I'm sure everyone who's worked him before can attest to his infectious tangible dope personality,First saw him on a show called Cheeky plate on showmax presented by @TheRealPhatJoe
Ur death doesn't make sense 🕊️💔#RIPChefLentswe pic.twitter.com/xdYstSvlTB— Charlieafrikka (@JohnsonAwalle) March 1, 2023
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@iam_lentswe
Lentswe Bhengu, born and raised in KwaZulu Natal is on The Cook Along.
Chef Lentswe believes that meal times can be a sacred time for families to connect and also nourish themselves. #cheflentswebhengu #thecookalong #netflix #knowyourchef pic.twitter.com/SLXX9DBcEX— TheCookALong (@TheCookALongSA) February 9, 2023
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