We catch up with the host and head chef of BET’s Africa on a Plate, Lentswe Bhengu, to talk about his travel cooking show, and leaving his corporate job to follow his passion.
By: Fundiswa Nkwanyana
1. I fell in love with cooking while helping my mom in the kitchen. We used to spend hours preparing meals and having fun. I never saw cooking as a chore, but a fun activity that I enjoyed.
2. I don’t regret leaving my job in the investment finance sector to pursue my dream of being a chef. The thought of walking away from a comfortable job to start something new was scary and exciting at the same time. However, I knew that I had ignored my dream for a long time. So, in 2011, I quit my job and enrolled into a culinary school.
3. After completing my studies, I realised that I needed to create my own opportunities. I wanted to explore and share our African delicacies with the world, but there were limited opportunities. My business partner and I decided to produce Africa on a Plate – South Africa’s first food web series. All we had was a camera and an idea that soon grew; the audience also grew. In 2014, we were commissioned to produce a TV version of the series for The Africa Channel, which is a US network.
4. People should watch the show because we explore food, culture and travel. I travelled across the African continent to explore our food and share this journey with the viewers. From the mama that sells on the side of the road to the fine dining experience, I take my viewers on a mouth-watering journey that is informative and entertaining.
5. I am currently working on a recipe travel log book. Food and travel fascinate me, and I want to share this with the world.
*Catch the show on BET DStv channel 129 every Saturday at 5.15pm
