From Food Festival Vision to Community Diner: The Rise of Eli Foods and Events
From Food Festival Vision to Community Diner: The Rise of Eli Foods and Events. At a Soweto food festival, Mfundo Gasa spotted two truths: people bonded over street food, and local flavor had the power to lift spirits. In 2018 he acted on that insight, founding Eli Foods and Events to serve up heartfelt meals and memorable hospitality across Johannesburg and Pretoria. His journey shows that a business rooted in community and passion can grow into something truly nourishing.
Planting the Seed: A Business Built from Hope
Growing up in Emdeni, Mfundo witnessed how food could bring people together and create opportunity. When Covid lockdown shut down formal events, he responded swiftly: where others paused, he cooked and delivered. His social media, marked by real photos of real meals, became his first marketing channel, capturing trust, appetite, and local attention.
Milestones Marking Momentum
- 2018 – Business Registration
Eli Foods and Events officially launched, anchored in Mfundo’s cuisine passion and Sowetan roots. - Mandela Day Outreach
In July 2024, Eli Foods organized a luncheon for learners at Luyolo Senior Primary School. Supported by Eskort and Sasko, the event served 370 hamburgers and embodied food as hope. - International Kota Day Event
In August 2025, the company hosted a charity meal for primary schools on International Kota Day. With 700 hamburgers and drinks sponsored by Tiger Brands and Hellopay, the event aimed to inspire learners and showcase local enterprise. - Founder Highlighted for Purpose
Salaamedia featured Mfundo in “Building Hope From Hardship,” spotlighting his shift from struggle to enterprise and youth empowerment.
Serving Impact Beyond the Kitchen
Eli Foods is more than shawarma and kota, it is an extension of empathy. Mfundo uses food to make statements and stimulate community spirit. His Mandela Day and International Kota Day initiatives reflect that for him, business serves as inspiration, not just income.
Lessons Savored in Every Meal
1. Let Purpose Be Your Recipe
Mfundo didn’t just launch a food business, he launched hope. Build ventures that nourish more than wallets.
2. Pivot with Intention
When formal events ceased, he collided passion with delivery. The pivot brought him relevance when his market needed it most.
3. Let Visibility Be Your Accelerator
Social posts about real meals sparked trust. In-person events amplified impact. Narrative and presence help small brands scale.
4. Use Food to Build Story and Trust
Charity events like feeding schools are marketing moves rooted in integrity, not promotion, but partnership.
5. Inspire Through Generosity
Mfundo’s collaborations with Tigers Brands and Eskort show how generosity opens doors beyond transactions.
6. Stay Visible Through Media
Stories like “Building Hope From Hardship” gave voice to his journey and built brand warmth.
Where the Next Plate Leads
Mfundo plans to deepen his imprint in community dining, youth empowerment, and accessible meals that embody identity and opportunity. His ambition reaches beyond catering, it aims to serve community pride, uplift learners, and signal that where passion meets perseverance, food can heal and transform.
