The South African Chefs’ Association says the country has lost a wealth of culinary expertise after the death of well-known chef, Lesego ‘LesDaChef’ Semenya.
The celebrity chef had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this month.
Semenya co-hosted and judged Celebrity MasterChef.
The association’s communications director Coovashan Pillay says: ” (We are) Saddened and devastated to hear of the passing of our esteem colleague, friend and valued member of our association. An unfailing champion of heritage food in South Africa. He was an avid supporter of SA Chefs, ever willing to support with our events, also training at our centre for culinary excellence at UJ. Chef Lesego has certainly left a mark on all of us and a huge void in our culinary industry.”
Tributes also continue pouring in on social media for the 39-year-old.
Bathong LesdaChef ??
— Masindi ✨✨ (@Sindi_Mutshidzi) July 14, 2021
Rest well King @LesDaChef
— Po (@Poonchi_) July 14, 2021
It is with great sadness to share the news of the passing of Chef Lesego Semenya @LesDaChef
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Rest in eternal peace King candle ??? ?#RiplesDaChef pic.twitter.com/ygsfvxLWzi
— #CherryFilmFestival ? (@CherryFilmFest) July 12, 2021
Rest In Peace my dear friend . Thank you for always baking me cupcakes , even though you hated doing it hehehe & for drinking tequila shot with me even though you hated them & for your love . Oh to be loved by you Lesego #RIPLesDaChef pic.twitter.com/aMykjz5QjT
— Bhut’ Masasa (@MsMasasa) July 12, 2021
The nation has lost a talented and humble young man. This story is truly heartbreaking.
This issue of vaccine access for “non old” people with comorbidities must be addressed. We can’t ignore this at all, even in the middle of all of this political chaos. #RIPLesDaChef https://t.co/WikpnpGc2Z
— Mmusi Maimane (@MmusiMaimane) July 12, 2021
