The iconic Cape Town brand Mzoli's is being revived, continuing the traditions of excellent meat, a special atmosphere, and a pleasant time. This brand was founded by the late Edwin 'Ta Mzoli' Ngcawuzele.
The entrepreneur began preparing meat for customers at his butcher shop in Gugulethu in the early 2000s. By the mid-2000s, Mzoli's had become a popular spot for locals, Cape Town residents, tourists, and celebrities who would come there on Sunday afternoons to enjoy deep house and kwaito music, as well as grilled meat dishes.
Due to attracting visitors from all over the world and transforming the area, the legendary shisa nyama closed in 2021 because of Covid-19 restrictions and economic downturn.
However, after Mzoli's death in June 2026 following a prolonged illness, his family decided to restore his legacy with renewed determination. The result of these efforts is the opening of the new Mzoli Meat and Grill in the heart of Cape Town.
Before opening its doors to the public this weekend, the organization's public relations and marketing officer, Elvis Nielenzi, stated that the next phase of development will focus on growth.
Following an event with Western Cape Premier Alan Wind and Minister of Culture Ricardo Mackenzie, Nielenzi told IOL Media: 'Mzoli's is more than just a business; it is a proud brand of the Western Cape and South Africa that has proven its ability to attract people from different communities, social classes, and countries.'
He added that the company's current goal is to develop this legacy and expand Mzoli's presence to a wider audience across South Africa, and ultimately, in Africa. The decision to move Mzoli's to the Mother City was driven by the opportunity to expand the brand and make the Mzoli's experience more accessible to residents of Cape Town, South Africa, and the world.
'Cape Town is a central hub that brings together people, businesses, and communities, and we believe Mzoli's plays an important role in that connection.'
Although the new venue in the trendy Dunkley Square in Gardens may seem far from Gugulethu, Mzoli's intends to go even further. Nielenzi emphasized: 'Gugulethu will forever remain an important part of Mzoli's history and identity. We are not abandoning the community that helped create the brand. Instead, we are advancing Ta Mzoli's legacy by creating a new chapter that opens opportunities for more people.'
The company's long-term vision includes expanding Mzoli's into various areas where there are opportunities to open and manage new locations and franchises.
The brand's business model is now based on a 'bring and grill yourself' principle. Nielenzi explained that this will create opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and future business owners to manage Mzoli's establishments while stimulating local economic activity and creating jobs.
'We view Mzoli's as a platform for job creation, entrepreneurship, networking, and business development. We want our venues to be places where people can come not only to enjoy great food, music, and the shisa nyama culture, but also to socialize, build relationships, and create new business opportunities.'
As Mzoli's Meat and Grill launches on Saturday, September 5th, Nielenzi noted that they are bringing back the sounds and aromas that fueled the unique energy of Mzoli's. He added that they aim to recreate the unique Mzoli's experience in every new location—the food, music, social atmosphere, shisa nyama culture, and most importantly, the spirit of bringing people together. The goal is for residents of Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, northern suburbs, Table View, City Bowl, and other areas to feel that Mzoli's belongs to them.