One of Cape Town’s most iconic township eating places, Mzoli’s Place and Butchery has become one of the many establishments in SA that has had to shut up shop for the time being. The largest reasoning behind establishments like Mzoli’s closing down is due to the harsh impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking Back on Mzoli’s
Located in the heart of Gugulethu, Mzoli’s was known for its vibrant kasi vibe, attracting extremely popular celebs as well as out-of-towners and international visitors. The open-air restaurant did not only offer you a good time with friends but they were serious about their shisanyama (braaied meat) as well. The well-known butchery sold meat, which you can then braai on no fewer than eight fires.
Mzoli’s Place in Gugulethu, miss that place.. The meat there is so good,you’ll drive from Cape Town for it pic.twitter.com/oPFf8IVFJn
— Daai Man Kenzitto (@Kagisokenzitto) May 15, 2015
Businessman and philanthropist, Mzoli “Mr Mzoli” Ngcawuzele started selling meat informally from a garage and by 2006, the place had become one of the most popular hangouts in Cape Town. However, according to Sowetan Live, Mzoli’s daughter Sisanda Mangele, said she was not sure if the business will open again because of the state of the economy and restrictions of the pandemic. Mangele indicated that they are waiting for the tourism industry to get back on its feet before they completely decide if they want to close forever. Meanwhile, security concerns have also been a factor that the place closed its doors after angry protesters set a car alight in front of the butchery as well as two ATMs in early 2018.
Popular township braai hangout spot Mzoli’s place has been vandalized and set one fire by residents during a protest for better housing. https://t.co/KZdDp8uLhs pic.twitter.com/Mi95h9OQL0
— Cape {Town} Etc (@CapeTownEtc) February 26, 2018
There were also rumours spread all social media in 2020 that Mzoli has died, however, as reported by the Daily Sun he celebrated his 66th birthday last year. It is alleged that he now divides his time between the Eastern Cape and the Western cape where he’s allegedly planning on building a mall in Mdantsane kasi.
Picture : Cape Town Etc gallery