Popular Shisanyama Mzoli’s Place Is Set To Shut Down Indefinitely
Popular Shisanyama Mzoli’s Place Is Set To Shut Down Indefinitely. Cape Town’s iconic township eatery where people from different walks of life used to mingle over meat and pap; Mzoli’s Place in Gugulethu, has shut down indefinitely because of the Corona virus pandemic.
Sisanda Mangele, the daughter of businessman and philanthropist Mzoli Ngcawuzele told Dispatch Live that she was not sure if the business will open again. “It’s a lot of things, from physical safety to the state of the economy and restrictions of the pandemic. It’s not really the end of the journey because we are still assessing if it’s worth the risk. We are waiting to see if tourism will get back on its feet. If not we might have to let go completely,” Mangele said.
The industry has struggled to survive, with many having to downsize their staff or close doors. According to Dispatch Live, Chaf Pozi, the upmarket Soweto eatery on Vilakazi Street, used to attract hundreds of tourists and local people but of late has seen a major decline. Zama Zwane, manager at Chaf Pozi, told Dispatch Live that they are living hand to mouth. “Things are so bad, it just doesn’t get better. We can’t afford a lot of our bills and rent is also an issue. Paying salaries has become a struggle and the sector doesn’t support us,” Zwane said.
The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the restaurant industry, but it hasn’t ended it. Thanks to quick reactions and a willingness to adjust, some establishments of have managed to stay afloat. As the corona virus epidemic rages on some restaurant operators have already permanently closed their restaurants, while others choose to temporarily close their establishments.
“Without an influx of tourists, we have no business at all. Local people used to come and enjoy themselves too, but now they simply order food and go home. People don’t appreciate the sit-down experience any more, which makes things hard,” Zwane added.
Mzoli’s Place is butchery in Gugulethu, a township on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa. Since Mzoli’s opened in early 2003, the restaurant has become a popular gathering spot for Cape Town residents and a tourist attraction. Mzoli’s is named after the founder and owner, Mzoli Ngcawuzele.
