Siyavuya Mzantsi
MZOLI’S restaurant in Gugulethu has not only become one of Cape Town’s most popular spots for locals, it has also managed to attract international interest since its opening 15 years ago.
The eatery has become one of the city’s best places for an eKasi(township) experience and “ Tshisa Nyama” (braai meat).
Mzoli’s is admired for its tasty braai, buzzing vibe, music and atmosphere which attracts scores of Capetonians and tourists to flock to Gugulethu at weekends.
The restaurant’s founder and owner, Mzoli Ngcawuzele, 60, said while he has learnt a lot over the past 15 years, he has yet to reach his goals.
Ngcawuzele, who is recovering from a stroke, said his ill-health did not hold him back.
“The reason behind the establishment of this place was to make a difference within our community.
“My strength and the efforts I put behind this business are what keeps it the place it is today. Even after I suffered a stroke, I never sat down. That’s why I am saying my strength has kept it going. I am still recovering and not 100 percent,” he said.
Ngcawuzele’s restaurant has about 45 employees.
“I have never worked for any company. I have always been on my own, from the beginning. I must say I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support that I received over the past years. I have always planned this and my market strategy has also worked for me,” he said.
The place has also created an opportunity for local small businesses owners who sell their artwork outside the restaurant’s premises.
“I still want to achieve my goals because my goal is to franchise Mzoli’s. The response from the community has been very positive. We receive customers from all walks of life,” said Ngcawuzele.
Nick Woulters from Cape Town, who goes to Mzoli’s twice a month, said: “Mzoli’s is Cape Town. The atmosphere here is very laid back and this is the place to be at the weekends. “A lot of tourists come here and I would advise anyone to come and experience it.” Margaux Knispel from France, who was part of an international group of students on a city tour, said Mzoli’s was one of the best places she visited in Cape Town.
“One of my friends who lives here in Cape Town asked me to come and experience this place. It’s very different. It’s very cool and it’s a nice place to be. If I would come back to South Africa, I will definitely come here again,” Knispel said.
With her were Bethany Bobbin from Sheffield in England and Carolyn Delkus from Canada. “It’s an amazing place and we would come back again. My friends had been telling me about how nice and different this place is. The music is very good,” said Bobbin.
Ngcawuzele’s brother, Welile, said the restaurant had become part of the community. “People love this place and they love coming here. There have been other places that opened after this, but Mzoli’s has maintained its character and role in the community. It’s very busy at the weekend, from the morning until the evening. There is no time to rest because we get a lot of orders,” Welile said.