NEW VENUE, SAME VIBES: Mzoli's in Dunkley Square, Gardens
Image: Elvis Nyelenzi
CAPE Town icon Mzoli’s is back and building on its legacy of great meat, vibes and good times.
Founded by the late Edwin “Ta Mzoli” Ngcawuzele, the brand was born when the entrepreneur started braaing meat for customers at its Gugulethu butchery in the early 2000s.
By the mid-2000s, it was the place to be on Sunday afternoons, with locals, Capetonians, tourists and celebrities flocking to Mzoli’s Place for the thumping deep house and kwaito music and a platter of braaied meat.
Having transformed the township by attracting visitors from around the world, the legendary shisanyama joint shut down in 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions and a downturn in the economy.
But following Mzoli’s death after a long illness in June 2026 his family were more determined than ever to revive his legacy.
The fruit of that labour of love is the new Mzoli Meat and Grill in the heart of Cape Town.
And ahead of opening its doors to the public this weekend, the next chapter is all about growth, according to the organisation’s Public Relations and Marketing Officer Elvis Nyelenzi.
FAMILY BUSINESS: Mzoli Ngcawuzele''s daughter, Sisanda
Image: Elvis Nyelenzi
Following an event with Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and MEC of Cultural Affairs Ricardo Mackenzie, Nyelenzi told IOL Media: “Mzoli’s is more than a business - it has become a proudly Western Cape and South African brand that has proven its ability to appeal to people from different communities, backgrounds and countries.
“Our vision now is to build on that legacy and take Mzoli’s to an even wider audience across South Africa and, ultimately, Africa.
“The decision to bring Mzoli’s to the Mother City was based on an opportunity to expand the brand and make the Mzoli’s experience more accessible to people from across Cape Town, South Africa and around the world.
“Cape Town is a central destination that connects people, businesses and communities, and we believe Mzoli’s has an important role to play in that connection.”
While the new venue in trendy Dunkley Square in Gardens may seem a world away from Gugs, Mzoli’s is determined to reach even further.
Nyelenzi said: “Gugulethu will forever remain an important part of the history and identity of Mzoli’s. We are not turning our backs on the community that helped build the brand. Instead, we are taking the legacy of Ta Mzoli forward and creating a new chapter that creates opportunities for more people.
“Our long-term vision is to expand Mzoli’s into different areas where opportunities exist to establish and operate new outlets and franchises.”
BRING AND BRAAI: Premier Alan Winde at Mzoli's Meat and Grill launch
Image: Elvis Nyelenzi
The brand’s bring-and-braai flavour is now the business model.
Nyelenzi explained: “This will create opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and future business owners to manage and run Mzoli’s establishments, while also creating employment and stimulating local economic activity.
“We see Mzoli’s as a platform for job creation, entrepreneurship, networking and business development. “We want our establishments to become spaces where people can come together - not only to enjoy great food, music and shisanyama culture, but also to connect, build relationships and create new business opportunities.”
With Mzoli’s Meat and Grill launching on Saturday, 5 September, Nyelenzi said they're bringing back the sounds and smells that fueled the unmistakable Mzoli’s energy.
He added: “We want to recreate the unique Mzoli’s experience in every new location - the food, music, social atmosphere, shisanyama culture and, most importantly, the spirit of bringing people together.
“We want people from Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, the northern suburbs, Table View, the City Bowl and beyond to feel that Mzoli’s belongs to them.”
