Chef Samuel Moshesh

Also affectionately known as Sam or Sammy, in his early thirties, he is totally unexpected and a contradiction in every facet of his colourful life. He was born and bred in Welkom, in the Orange Free State. On completion of school he played rugby for the Northern Free State Griffins Rugby Club while at college.

Sam knew from an early age that his passion and future lay in the hospitality and tourism industry. He attended the Food & Beverage Institute in Bloemfontein for two and half years, having been nominated as Chef Of The Year, then leaving South Africa for Naples in Florida, United States, this was the start his amazing journey.

After eighteen months in the US he moved to Dubai, and so began his four and half year sojourn into the world of culinary in Europe and the Middle East, finally ending in Africa, on Dennis private island in the Seychelles.

Sam returned home to South Africa for family reasons, but was soon back at work at Earth Lodge in Sabi-Sabi as a sous chef, followed after as the executive chef, having been nominated as the Trade Programme’s Gourmet Guide’s 21 Top Chefs in 2018.

He then later consulted to Lion Sands, Rora Private Retreats, and finally as a private chef at And Beyond.

Sam has worked at some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants such as Al Diwaan at the Al Maha in Dubai, the Carana Beach in Mahe, Seychelles, and the Sabi-Sabi Earth Lodge Restaurant just to name a few, alongside some of the world's most renown chefs namely Chef David Miras of France, Chef Bryce Carter of the US, Peter Sebby from Kenya and the late Chef Kevin Gericke of South Africa, amongst many others.

Sam’s true love, is his love of teaching. He has an insatiable thirst for sharing his passion and his craft with those who are willing to absorb his knowledge.

Here at Mthembu Lodge he feels he has come home to the true wilderness of Africa, This is where Moshesh from the Mokoena Clan comes together with the Mthembu Clan to form a wonderful, fulfilling partnership where the community of Mthembu will benefit every day from the teachings of Sam and enjoy the fruits of his labour, where he is given the opportunity to practice his craft uninhibited whilst committed to share his passion of teaching.

His life’s lessons are simple. He says respect others and humble yourself whilst being dedicated to your passion.

There is much we can learn from this talented young man, and we feel privileged to have someone of his statue and ilk, join and belong in our family.