South Africa is mourning the death of entrepreneur and township tourism pioneer Mzoli Ngcawuzele, the driving force behind the well-known dining spot “Mzoli’s Place.”
Ngcawuzele, affectionately nicknamed “Ta Mzo,” reportedly passed away at his home on Sunday after a period of illness. He was 72 years old.
Friends, fans, and members of the public are remembering him for a legacy that helped reshape Gugulethu’s profile—turning a community that had often been overlooked by mainstream visitors into one of Cape Town’s most celebrated cultural destinations.
The rise of Mzoli’s Place
- In 2003, Ngcawuzele launched what began as a modest butchery.
- Over time, the business expanded into a widely recognized shisa nyama experience.
- The venue drew attention for its lively energy, sizzling braai dishes, deep house music, and a hospitality style rooted in township life.
- As its reputation grew, it became a magnet for thousands of locals, tourists, politicians, celebrities, and international visitors seeking an authentic “Kasi” experience.
- British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver later visited Mzoli’s Place and publicly praised the establishment, boosting its international visibility.
More than a restaurant
Ngcawuzele’s influence reached well beyond food and entertainment. He came to be seen as a figure of black excellence, a champion of township entrepreneurship, and an example of community-led economic empowerment.
Through his business, he helped create work for dozens of residents in Gugulethu, while also supporting smaller vendors and local entrepreneurs who benefited from the flow of visitors to the area.
His path—from selling meat informally out of a garage to building one of Cape Town’s most recognizable lifestyle destinations—became a source of motivation for aspiring business owners across South Africa.
Even with severe setbacks along the way, including the loss of his sons and uncertainty around the closure of Mzoli’s Place in 2021, he was described as staying determined and focused on his community.
In 2017, after suffering a stroke, he still continued to show resilience and grit.
Since news of his passing, tributes have been flooding social media. Many have hailed him as a pioneer who changed the face of township tourism in South Africa and helped open opportunities for the next generation of township entrepreneurs.
