Lorna Maseko Biography
Lorna Maseko, born on 3 July 1983 in Alexandra township, Johannesburg, South Africa, is a celebrated South African chef, television presenter, author, ballet dancer, choreographer, MC, and managing director of Fabulous Production, and a former professional ballerina.
She made history as South Africa’s first black professional ballerina, performing internationally before transitioning into television in the late 2000s.
In 2010, she gained national recognition as a presenter on Top Billing after being a finalist in their presenter search in 2009.
Her culinary journey took off after competing in Celebrity MasterChef South Africa in 2015, which led to her hosting Top Chef South Africa in 2016 and her cooking show, The Hostess with Lorna Maseko, in 2017.
In 2019, she published her debut cookbook, Celebrate with Lorna Maseko, which won two Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in 2020.
She went on to host Homegrown Tastes South Africa on BBC Lifestyle in 2022 and was appointed executive chef for South African Airways in 2025.
Her personal life includes a marriage to Gcina Lukhele in 2010, which ended in 2016, and she welcomed a daughter in 2021.
Lorna Maseko Wikipedia
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lorna Maseko |
| Date of Birth | 3 July 1983 |
| Place of Birth | Alexandra township, Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Age | 42 years old (as of July 2025) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | Black South African |
| Education | Bachelor of Communications (UNISA), Culinary Training |
| Early Training | Ballet from age 9 under Martin Schönberg (Cecchetti method) |
| Ballet Milestone | First Black South African ballerina in lead roles (e.g., Don Quixote) |
| TV Breakthrough | Top Billing presenter (2010), Afro Showbiz News, So You Think You Can Dance SA |
| Culinary Start | Celebrity MasterChef South Africa (2015) – Top 6 |
| TV Shows Hosted | Top Chef SA (2016), The Hostess (2017), Homegrown Tastes SA (2022) |
| Cookbook | Celebrate with Lorna Maseko (2019) |
| Book Awards | 2 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards (2020) |
| Other Honors | Culinary Icon Award (Luxe Restaurant Awards), True Love “Woman in Action” |
| Major Role (2025) | Executive Chef for South African Airways |
| Notable Events | Guest chef at Taste of London, Dubai, Stockholm EAT Forum, pop-ups in NYC & LA |
| Business Ventures | Catering brand “Celebrate”, YouTube channel Lorna With A Pinch of Salt |
| Marital Status | Divorced (Gcina “GC” Lukhele, 2010–2016) |
| Children | One daughter (born ~2021) with Floyd Shivambu |
| Social Media – Instagram | @lornamaseko |
| Social Media – Twitter/X | @Lorns_Maseko |
| Social Media – Threads | @lornamaseko |
| Official Website | www.lornamaseko.com |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 million – $5 million (unverified estimates) |
| Years Active | 2005 – Present |
| Known For | Ballet, Television, Culinary Arts, Cookbook Author |
| Tag Keywords | Lorna Maseko biography, South African chef, black ballerina, Top Billing, Celebrate cookbook, Lorna Maseko age, daughter, SAA chef |
Lorna Maseko Age
Lorna Maseko was born on July 3, 1983, which means she is 42 years old as of 2025.
Lorna Maseko Early Life, Family, & Education
Lorna Maseko was born on 3 July 1983 in Alexandra township, Johannesburg, South Africa, into a modest family; her father was a taxi driver, and her mother worked as a receptionist.
She grew up alongside one older brother and two younger sisters. Lorna discovered her passion for dance at the age of nine, when she began ballet training.
She studied under renowned ballet teacher Martin Schönberg, excelling in the Cecchetti method.
Her talent and dedication soon led her to become the first black South African ballerina to perform lead roles in major productions.
Although ballet was her first love, she later pursued academic studies in media and communication, earning a Bachelor of Communications from the University of South Africa (UNISA).
Following her growing interest in food and media, she also completed culinary training, which paved the way for her future as a celebrated chef and TV host.
Lorna Maseko Career
Lorna Maseko began ballet at the age of 9 and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming South Africa’s first black professional ballerina to perform lead roles such as Kitri in Don Quixote (2007) and feature in Carmen (2009).
She trained under Martin Schönberg and performed both locally and internationally, including participation in the prestigious Prix de Lausanne.
In 2007, she decided to step away from ballet to explore new creative avenues.
Lorna entered the media spotlight in 2009 as a finalist in the Top Billing Presenter Search.
She officially joined Top Billing in 2010, becoming one of South Africa’s most stylish and charismatic presenters.
She also hosted and produced shows like Afro Showbiz News and The Weekender, and served as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance South Africa in 2013.
By 2014, she had appeared on popular shows like I Love South Africa and Zaziwa, further cementing her presence in entertainment.
In 2015, Lorna competed in Celebrity MasterChef South Africa and finished among the top six.
This experience ignited her passion for cooking. She went on to host Top Chef South Africa in 2016, and in 2017, launched her lifestyle and cooking show, The Hostess with Lorna Maseko, on SABC3.
This marked a turning point in her career as she became widely recognized for her culinary talent.
Lorna released her debut cookbook, Celebrate with Lorna Maseko, in September 2019.
The book received global acclaim, winning two Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in 2020 for Best Celebrity Chef Cookbook and Best International Cookbook.
She showcased South African cuisine globally, appearing at events like Taste of London, Taste of Dubai, EAT Forum in Stockholm, and hosting pop-up dining experiences in New York and Los Angeles.
In 2022, Lorna hosted the BBC Lifestyle show Homegrown Tastes South Africa, highlighting local ingredients and culinary traditions across the country.
Her role as a cultural food ambassador continued to grow, and in 2025, she was appointed Executive Chef for South African Airways (SAA), designing over 30 signature dishes for their in-flight menu, a historic achievement blending her culinary artistry with national pride.
Lorna Maseko’s career reflects a dynamic journey from ballet to broadcasting, and from gourmet chef to global culinary ambassador.
Lorna Maseko Personal Life
Lorna Maseko was married to Gcina “GC” Lukhele, a Johannesburg-based sales executive, in December 2010.
However, the marriage ended in divorce in 2016. Despite the separation, Lorna continued to grow in her personal and professional journey, often expressing her commitment to self-growth, independence, and empowerment.
In the years following her divorce, she was romantically linked to Floyd Shivambu, a prominent South African politician and deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
Though the relationship remained largely private, it drew media attention, particularly after it was revealed that Lorna gave birth to her first child, a daughter, in 2021.
Lorna Maseko Net Worth
With a net worth that ranges between $1 million and $5 million, Lorna Maseko has made a profession out of becoming a television host and lifestyle consultant.
Lorna Maseko Publishing & Recognition
Lorna Maseko made a remarkable entry into the literary and culinary publishing world with the release of her debut cookbook, Celebrate with Lorna Maseko, in September 2019.
The book is a vibrant reflection of her culinary journey, combining elegant recipes with heartfelt stories that celebrate her South African roots and global influences.
It quickly gained attention for its modern, accessible approach to African-inspired cuisine.
In 2020, the cookbook earned international acclaim by winning two Gourmand World Cookbook Awards:
Best Celebrity Chef Cookbook (National Category)
Best International Cookbook (Global Category)
These awards solidified her status as not just a media personality but a respected figure in the global culinary community.
Beyond her cookbook, Lorna has received numerous accolades and honors for her contributions to food and lifestyle media, including:
Culinary Icon Award by the Luxe Restaurant Awards
Invitations to cook and speak at prestigious global food events like Taste of London, Taste of Dubai, EAT Forum (Stockholm), and World Restaurant Awards (Paris)
Named South African Airways Executive Chef in 2025, a pioneering role that showcases her leadership and innovation in the food space
She has also served as an ambassador for brands such as Justine Skincare, reflecting her influence beyond the kitchen.
Her work continues to inspire young chefs, especially women of color, by demonstrating that with passion and reinvention, one can transition successfully across multiple industries, from ballet to television, to culinary greatness.
Why Lorna Maseko Stands Out
1. Trailblazer in Ballet: Lorna Maseko made history as South Africa’s first black professional ballerina to perform lead roles on major stages, a monumental achievement in a traditionally exclusive art form.
Her presence broke racial and cultural barriers in the local and international ballet scene.
2. Multi-Talented Media Personality: She successfully transitioned from ballet to television, becoming a household name through her work on Top Billing, So You Think You Can Dance South Africa, and The Hostess with Lorna Maseko.
Her charm, style, and authenticity made her a standout on screen.
3. Culinary Icon & International Food Ambassador: Lorna’s passion for food transformed her into one of South Africa’s most celebrated chefs.
From competing in Celebrity MasterChef SA to launching her cooking show and authoring an award-winning cookbook, she has redefined what it means to be a modern African chef.
Her role as Executive Chef for South African Airways (2025) further cemented her as a global culinary force.
4. Award-Winning Author: Her debut cookbook, Celebrate with Lorna Maseko, not only shared recipes but her journey, earning two Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in 2020.
It placed South African cuisine on the global culinary map.
5. International Recognition & Cultural Representation: Lorna has represented South African food and culture on global stages, including in London, New York, Paris, Stockholm, Dubai, and Los Angeles.
Her mission to showcase homegrown tastes and African heritage to the world has earned her global respect.
6. Empowerment & Inspiration: Beyond her career, Lorna uses her platform to empower women, promote African excellence, and inspire others to embrace reinvention.
From township roots to international stages, she’s a symbol of resilience, versatility, and elegance.
In every arena she enters, ballet, television, or culinary arts, Lorna Maseko stands out not just for her talent but for her trailblazing spirit, cultural pride, and powerful storytelling.
Lorna Maseko Social Media
Instagram: @lornamaseko
X (formerly Twitter): @Lorns_Maseko
Threads: Active under her name (“lorna maseko”) on Threads threads.com
Official website: www.lornamaseko.com
FAQs
1. Who is Lorna Maseko?
She is a South African celebrity chef, television presenter, cookbook author, and former professional ballerina.
2. When and where was Lorna Maseko born?
She was born on 3 July 1983 in Alexandra township, Johannesburg, South Africa.
3. What was her first profession?
Lorna began her career as a ballet dancer and became the first Black professional ballerina in South Africa.
4. How did she transition into TV and cooking?
After retiring from ballet in 2007, she joined Top Billing as a presenter in 2010 and later pursued a culinary career after competing in Celebrity MasterChef SA in 2015.
5. What is she most famous for?
- Hosting Top Billing, Top Chef SA, and The Hostess
- Authoring the award-winning cookbook Celebrate with Lorna Maseko
- Being Executive Chef for South African Airways (2025)
6. What awards has she won?
- 2 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards (2020)
- Culinary Icon Award by Luxe Restaurant Awards
7. What is the name of her cookbook?
Celebrate with Lorna Maseko, published in 2019.
8. What role does she play at South African Airways?
She was appointed Executive Chef in 2025, designing in-flight meals for the airline.
9. Was she married?
Yes, she married Gcina Lukhele in 2010 but divorced in 2016.
10. Does Lorna Maseko have children?
Yes, she has a daughter, reportedly born in 2021, with politician Floyd Shivambu.
11. What is her Instagram handle?
12. What is her estimated net worth?
Estimates range between $1 million and $5 million (not officially confirmed).
13. Why is she considered a trailblazer?
- First Black ballerina in lead roles in SA
- Transitioned successfully into television and culinary arts
- Represents African cuisine globally
14. What makes her cookbook unique?
It combines personal stories with elegant, African-inspired recipes and has been internationally recognized.
15. What message does she inspire?
Empowerment, reinvention, pride in African heritage, and breaking barriers across disciplines.
In Conclusion
Lorna Maseko is a true embodiment of versatility, resilience, and excellence. From making history as South Africa’s first Black professional ballerina to becoming a beloved television presenter and eventually transforming into an internationally recognized celebrity chef and author, her journey reflects passion, reinvention, and impact.
Her award-winning cookbook, Celebrate with Lorna Maseko, her role as Executive Chef for South African Airways, and her appearances on major platforms like Top Billing and BBC Lifestyle, all position her as a powerful voice in culinary storytelling and African representation on the global stage.
Despite personal challenges. including a high-profile divorce and navigating life as a public figure, Lorna continues to inspire millions with her elegance, ambition, and authenticity.
She not only champions South African culture through food and media but also serves as a role model for young women across Africa and beyond.
In every chapter of her life, Lorna Maseko stands out as a pioneer, a creator, and an inspiration, proof that greatness often comes from boldly dancing through change.
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