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.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
