Langa Mavuso, lover of the late Chef Lentswe Bhengu-Mafoko spoke and gave a moving speech at his memorial service on Monday, March 6. The service which was attended by family and friends was held in Johannesburg at the Every Nation Church in Rosebank.
Read more: "My Lizwi"- Langa Mavuso's Hearbreaking Tweet On Lentswe's Passing
Beginning his speech, Langa spoke about how he got introduced to Lentswe, “Swankie had spoken about her big brother to me for many years. She always looked up to her big brother who travelled the continent telling stories through food, sharing his stories with every meal,” he said.
He then spoke about his character as a family man, “Family and adventure were always at the centre of his life. If it wasn’t an impromptu family braai in Randburg, he was planning our next trip to someplace that I didn’t want to go to. But once we’d get there, it would be amazing.”
“Regardless of the strain, we always knew we loved each other, and it was aptly said in every text, which ended with the words ‘Love first, Love always.’ But today, I must find new ways to embody that love and find a new place to share my heart. He is the smile that captured us all. And his laughter filled every room. I don’t know how to begin to say goodbye when there is still so much love to give.”
Lentswe died after a short illness at the Sandton Medi-Clinic. He made appearances on noticeable shows such as Africa on a Plate, The Great South African Bake Off and KFC Taste Kitchen.
“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,” the statement reads. “Lentswe had the misfortune of suffering a short illness and succumbed last night, 28th of February 2023, at Sandton Medi-Clinic.”
Fellow celebs shared their heartbreak including Siba Mtonga. "Hayibo! Kanti what’s happening? I’m in utter shock and disbelief! I’ve seen Lentswe grow from the ground up! Ever so ambitious, ready to take on the next challenge and super passionate about food and all things culinary."
"Your infectious smile, laughter, passion and talent for food will be dearly missed in the industry. Thank you for your contribution, chef! Rest easy knowing you have touched our lives. We were expecting so much more still. We are utter broken and saddened by these very sad news! Heartfelt condolences to the Bhengu and Mafoko families and their loved ones. May your legacy live on!"
Also Read: BREAKING NEWS: Chef Lentswe Bhengu Has Died
Image credit: ANMG
Read more: "My Lizwi"- Langa Mavuso's Hearbreaking Tweet On Lentswe's Passing
Beginning his speech, Langa spoke about how he got introduced to Lentswe, “Swankie had spoken about her big brother to me for many years. She always looked up to her big brother who travelled the continent telling stories through food, sharing his stories with every meal,” he said.
He then spoke about his character as a family man, “Family and adventure were always at the centre of his life. If it wasn’t an impromptu family braai in Randburg, he was planning our next trip to someplace that I didn’t want to go to. But once we’d get there, it would be amazing.”
“Regardless of the strain, we always knew we loved each other, and it was aptly said in every text, which ended with the words ‘Love first, Love always.’ But today, I must find new ways to embody that love and find a new place to share my heart. He is the smile that captured us all. And his laughter filled every room. I don’t know how to begin to say goodbye when there is still so much love to give.”
Lentswe died after a short illness at the Sandton Medi-Clinic. He made appearances on noticeable shows such as Africa on a Plate, The Great South African Bake Off and KFC Taste Kitchen.
“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,” the statement reads. “Lentswe had the misfortune of suffering a short illness and succumbed last night, 28th of February 2023, at Sandton Medi-Clinic.”
Fellow celebs shared their heartbreak including Siba Mtonga. "Hayibo! Kanti what’s happening? I’m in utter shock and disbelief! I’ve seen Lentswe grow from the ground up! Ever so ambitious, ready to take on the next challenge and super passionate about food and all things culinary."
"Your infectious smile, laughter, passion and talent for food will be dearly missed in the industry. Thank you for your contribution, chef! Rest easy knowing you have touched our lives. We were expecting so much more still. We are utter broken and saddened by these very sad news! Heartfelt condolences to the Bhengu and Mafoko families and their loved ones. May your legacy live on!"
Also Read: BREAKING NEWS: Chef Lentswe Bhengu Has Died
Image credit: ANMG