Lesego Semenya, also known as Les Da Chef, passed away on July 12, 2021, at the age of 39 due to complications related to COVID-19. He was a South African chef, media personality, and writer, known for his talent in the kitchen, his engaging personality, and his love for food.

Semenya was born and raised in Soweto, South Africa, to parents who were both teachers. He attended Greenside High School and went on to graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He began his career as a process engineer for the IQ Business Group and a journalist for UnCut magazine, but after receiving a mild clinical depression diagnosis, he decided to pursue his passion for cooking.

Semenya enrolled at the Prue Leith Culinary Institute in Centurion, where he earned the Grande Diploma in Food and Wine, along with five other qualifications. He went on to work at The Westcliff at the Four Seasons in Johannesburg under Nicky Gibbs before entering the private catering world. He catered for high-profile clients such as Howard Buffett, Alicia Keys, Bill Gates, and Liverpool FC, among others.

In 2010, Semenya won a pie-making competition organized by the British High Commission, Pretoria, during the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. His pie, based on the kota dish from his township, became the official pie for British football fans visiting the country to watch the games. As part of his prize, he worked at Corrigan's in Mayfair, London.

Semenya was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in April 2018, but he did not let the disease hold him back. He shared his journey and tips for staying healthy with his fans, posting a video in August 2020. He was awaiting vaccination against COVID-19 when he tested positive for the virus on July 5, 2021.

Semenya's passing was a shock to his family, friends, and fans, who paid tribute to him online, in publications, and in person. He was remembered for his warmth, kindness, and talent in the kitchen, and his legacy will live on through his recipes and his impact on the culinary world.

Lesego Semenya's funeral was held on July 16, 2021, and he was laid to rest surrounded by family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire future generations of chefs and food lovers.