CULINARY:  Sakhumzi, famed eatery based in the township’s Vilakazi Street cultural precinct whivh boasts landmark Mandela home as one of the tourist attractions, expands to Zoo Lake…

By Priscilla Malinga

Well-known Soweto restaurateur Sakhumzi Maqubele has opened a new restaurant in Joburg’s northern suburbs, oozing the ambience and boasting cuisine for which his Vilakazi Street establishment is renowned for.

Maqubela launched its new branch at the Zoo Lake in Parkview at premises previously occupied by the 1990s favourite culinary hotspot, Moyo Restaurant. During the launch yesterday, Maqubela spoke about the challenges he experienced for two years while trying to occupy the abandoned property at the Zoo Lake after it had been home for Nyaope boys who were terrorising the community and stealing from the community and using the premises as their shelter for more than five years.

The event was attended by MMC Lubabalo Magwentshu, MMC for Community Development who was the host and keynote speaker, deputy president of the Patriotic Alliance, Kenny Kunene, and also MMC for Roads and Transport, and executive mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, among others. The property was previously occupied by Moyo Restaurant for years, and has been derelict since the establishment left.

Maqubela, born and raised in Soweto, said decided to give back to Soweto by opening another Sakhumzi Restaurant to provide jobs for Sowetans. For his entrepreneurial journey, he credited a speech by the previous President Nelson Mandela when he, speaking about unemployment, said South Africans must stop complaining about unemployment and create their own opportunities.

Maqubela’s iconic Sakhumzi Restaurant was established in the year 2001, at the famous Vilakazi Street, Orlando West, motivating other businesses to be established there and promoting the precinct as a prime tourism destination for local and overseas tourists.

Sakhumzi, whose eatery attracts droves of tourists daily, has helped change perceptions that Soweto was a dangerous place. The restaurant caters to more than 200 visitors daily – many of whom are International visitors who come to visit South Africa and want to sample township cuisine while on a sightseeing tour of Soweto.

”There is no restaurant that can pull up 200 people on a not busy day but Sakhumzi can,” said Maqubela.

Maqubela believes that he will be able to pull the same number of at the new Zoo lake establishment as he did in Soweto. “I am thankful to you Councillor Lubabalo for making this dream come true and I promise I will not let you down,” said Maqubela.

“The community of Parkview was terrorised by these Nyaope kids,” said Maqubela.  “Nyaope boys made this place a home and getting rid of them proved to be an unexpected challenge. This led to the process of moving in taking months”. 

Kunene, vice-president of the Patriotic Alliance said when he becomes Premier there will be no undocumented foreigners.

“We are down to R10 million to revive this place which is why we are sitting outside today,” said Maqubela. The building was vandalised, and the plumbing and electrical connections got disrupted. The wires were all stripped so that the nyaope guys can go buy drugs. carrying weapons were labelled as terrorists”.

METROFM ANNOUNCES NEW LINE-UP

SHAKE-UP: LootLove returns and Mtirara joins love movement…

By Lehlohonolo Lehana

South Africa’s largest commercial radio station Metrofm has officially announced its new line-up for 2024/2025, which sees the return of Luthando “Lootlove” Shosha and Rorisang Thandekiso to the station.

Shosha joins Tbo Touch to host the afternoon drive show, The Touch Down. It has been a while since Shosha was on the airwaves, she hosted Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio, from 2021 up until actress and musician Nandi Madida took over in 2023.

She has hosted shows such as Trending SA and Battle of Ankara. Thandekiso will be hosting a show called Command your Day weekday mornings from 5am to 6am.

The power of social media, Thandekiso has garnered quite a reputation on social media for her Instagram Lives, which are centred around the bible and motivating the youth.

Kina Nhlengethwa, Metro FM Business Manager said: “We have amplified the current line-up and are supporting the growth of weekend shows with exciting changes.

“Our 2024 offering will ensure that the station remains relatable and inspirational to listeners who are constantly seeking inspiration for growth and progression.”

Another fresh voice added to the station is the Durbanite Zola Myeza, who joins Somizi Mhlongo on the 6 to 9am slot for the ‘The Weekend Breakfast Sounds Good’.

In addition to the line-up changes, the station is launching a new show that focuses on music and urban lifestyle. It will be presented by Quinton “Naked DJ” Masina and a new addition to the station, Thato Immaculate on Saturdays from 6 to 9pm.

Seasoned broadcaster Paul Mtirara joins The Sunday Love Movement to present The Chill Factor between 12 to 3pm.

“Sunday Soul Therapy” with Msizi Shembe moves to the 9pm – 12am slot, and will focus on urban jazz, classic, soul and R&B music.

The station bids farewell to veteran broadcaster Nothemba Madumo, Oscar “Oskido” Mdlongwa, Siya Mhlongo, and Sphe “SPHEctacula” Ngwenya, following their contributions over the years. – www.fullview.co.za