Mdantsane lounge a hit with tourists: List of fans a who’s who of SA

Traditional meals were skaap-kop, chicken feet and pap.

He started by employing only six local youths, which has now grown to 20 permanent jobs, including two qualified chefs.

Billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe has dined there, MTV used it as a base, and SABC’s Selimathunzi broadcast live from the lounge.

In the 1980s the venue was the hideout for one of the most dangerous township gangs.

Now there are CCTV cameras dotted about and when someone loses a cellphone, the explanation is normally on tape.

Saturday Dispatch saw South Africa’s most upmarket liquor distributors arriving to deliver business anniversary gifts to Nkula.

Nande Mahlangeni, who distributes luxury brands Belvedere vodka and Hennessy cognac, said the Mthombo’s brand clicked with their brand. “In a short time, Mthombo’s has managed to create a reputable name for themselves. Our brand wants to associate itself with the culture and the quality we find at Mthombo’s,” Mahlangeni said.

“It is extremely difficult for our luxury portfolios to find homes in township businesses, but Mthombo’s is very much in line with our brand.”

Bavuyise Matyila from Heineken beer arrived bearing hampers worth R20000.

The lounge has opened its stage to local artists to perform on Sundays, which saw singers Lu’ncuthu House of Music being spotted and offered corporate gigs.

A member of the band, Thulani Kosi, said if it hadn’t been for the exposure they got from Mthombo’s, “we would be where we were two years ago. We have new-found confidence in ourselves as musicians. We have just performed at the OR Thambo Festival a week ago!” — simthandilef@dispatch.co.za