Benny Masekwameng is a genuine South African homegrown treasure. He was lured into the art of preparing and cooking food by his mother, who supplied meals to construction workers in Alexandra Township as an additional income.

Benny Masekwameng is one of the judges for the renowned MasterChef SA reality television programme.

Benny believes it is this early start in his mom’s kitchen that set him off on his impressive culinary journey. After graduating in Catering Management at the Natal Technikon, Benny held various positions throughout South Africa and joined Southern Sun Hotels in 2006.

With the support from Southern Sun and acclaimed Execeutive Chefs like Kenneth Ngubane and Arnold Stuurman, who had an interest in his exceptional natural talent, Benny rose to the top in a profession where the odds were against him. His mother taught him the stamina and creativity required to be successful and to continuously rejoice in and celebrate his heritage. “Sometimes people tell me that I am so lucky to be an executive chef, but luck has nothing to do with it. I am successful because I am true to myself, the values my mother taught me, I work hard, I love food and I have received the support required to excel”, says Benny.

Benny Masekwameng revels in the opportunity to represent Southern Sun and South African cuisine at international food festivals and is especially excited about the opportunity to be a judge on MasterChef SA.

“I’m so privileged to be chosen as a judge. Now perhaps I can pass along the opportunities and direction I received in my career and hopefully inspire others with the story of my journey.”

This popular taste maker is in constant demand, and is eminently qualified to offer an expert perspective on what constitutes culinary excellence.

In addition to his many daily responsibilities at Tsogo Sun, he also gives of Benny Masekwameng time to serve on the panel which awards the coveted “platinum status” ranking to the country’s most prestigious restaurants and establishments.

He has also been instrumental in the recent upgrade of SAA’s First Class and Business Class menus.

With such an impressive track record, it’s easy to see why Chef Benny is a key player in the latest season of MasterChef South Africa. His undisputed authority and vast experience equips him to evaluate contestants with a high degree of expertise – and, for those who can’t take the heat, the MasterChef kitchen may just prove to be the ultimate challenge.

A perfect gentleman with an easy smile, Benny is passionate about sharing his culinary knowledge with his peers and with the contestants, and sets the bar for aspiring chefs countrywide. Let the games begin.

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Benny Masekwameng | Celebrity Chef