Pivot Point: From Chef Student to Production House Owner.

Loading player...
Lentswe Bhengu, born and raised in KwaZulu Natal, started off plying his trade in the investment finance space. After 5 years in the industry, Lentswe traded in his suit and tie for a chef hat and spatula and in 2010 and enrolled at The Culinary Academy in the Cape Winelands. After graduating, he quickly made a name for himself in the culinary scene, whipping up memorable creations in the kitchens of some of the finest restaurants. Pretty soon, his talent and passion for cooking opened new doors, one of which saw him embark on a journey to uncover the different tastes of Africa. His media production house has also made strides in digital, managing to successfully meld the kitchen with new media, via a critically acclaimed web series, a South African first.

Chef Lentswe is a food festival, events and expos regular and has had some of his work commissioned abroad. He is also involved in chef organisations that hone and recognise the talents and skills of young, up and coming chefs. Due to his finance background, Lentswe also recently featured in the Digi Series #WeStrat2022Stronger, where he shares his rich knowledge of finance with South Africans to equip them with financial skills and tools to be financially knowledgeable, because with a betterunderstanding of your finances, there is a peace of mind. This is where he made finances palatable while still loving his chef role.
24 Mar 2022 4AM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

The Unseen Household Tax of Global Tensions

Old Mutual’s Financial Education Programme Manager, Thabo Hollo explains how global geopolitical tensions — from oil supply shocks to inflation risks — are silently eroding household budgets. He outlines the four steps consumers should take now to protect their financial wellbeing.
30 Apr 4PM 9 min

How Online Gambling Is Reshaping SA Spending

Online betting has overtaken casinos as South Africa’s biggest gambling channel. Reona Chetty from Vouch SA explains the data behind the boom, the behavioural patterns emerging in card transactions, and the financial red flags households should watch for.
30 Apr 4PM 15 min

How to Stay Financially Afloat in 2026

With inflation rising, fuel costs climbing, and real salaries slipping, more households are using credit just to get through the month. Momentum’s Salem Nyati breaks down the behavioural shifts, the warning signs of debt distress, and the practical steps families can take to regain control.
30 Apr 4PM 9 min

SA Salary Index: Why Real Earnings Are Falling Behind

South Africans are earning slightly more on paper — but losing ground in reality. Economist Elize Kruger unpacks the latest PayInc Net Salary Index, the 1% real decline in earnings, and why rising fuel prices and corporate caution could squeeze households even further in 2026.
30 Apr 4PM 15 min

How Currency Volatility Is Hitting South African SMEs

A new Verto report warns that currency volatility is now a bigger threat to SME margins than logistics. Rumbi Shoniwa from Verto SA explains how FX swings erode profits and the practical steps SMEs can take to protect themselves.
29 Apr 3PM 11 min