There is only one street in the world that boasts two Nobel Peace Prize recipients − Vilakazi Street in Soweto
The tree where everything began still stands as a monument. The circle of friends has grown over the past 18 years. Like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, Sakhumzi is building its own legacy in Soweto and touching lives from different continents. Well, the dream didn’t end under the tree.
In Vilakazi Street, Soweto, icon Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu’s houses are just a walking distance from each other. Interestingly, these two houses have created much-needed economic activities, as they are a huge tourist attraction in Vilakazi Street and also in Soweto. This has seen many living in this street creating small to medium business enterprises.
One of the beneficiaries of this economic transformation is a visionary entrepreneur, Sakhumzi Maqubela, the founder of Sakhumzi Restaurant. In 2001, Sakhumzi turned his three-bedroomed house into the first restaurant in Vilakazi Street.
His dream, which was born when he met with his friends every day under a tree in his yard to have some drinks and some takeaway kasi or township meals, has now become one of the main attractions in Vilakazi Street and Soweto. Today, Sakhumzi is sharing his dream and meals not only with his friends but also with the Sowetans, South Africans, and a global community.
Sakhumzi Restaurant seats 450, which makes it the biggest eatery in the area. It can accommodate any event from a team-building outing to family celebrations. Their excellent service, atmosphere and the hospitality complement their ‘Sakhumzi’ meaning ‘we build families’ theme.
Their menu, with most meal items named after different sections of Soweto, is prepared the township way. Imagine starting your meal with Dobsonville Greek salad and Protea Glen quarter chicken or Diepkloof snack platter for the main course – that in itself is a tourism journey. The drinks menu caters for every thirst. You name it − the finest brands of wines, whiskies, cognac and cocktails are some of the drinks you will enjoy.
Because of the many busy activities and turnaround of guests during the day, the restaurant serves a buffet during the day and an à la carte menu in the evening.
With a staff complement of about 100, the service level and quality of the food is unsurpassed. The staff goes all the way to ensure their guests enjoy their stay, making it a popular spot for locals and a stop for many tourists.
What I really love about the restaurant is the different look and feel of the different rooms or sections. When sitting outside, you will see marimba players, traditional dancers, and arts and craft marketers, and have access to designer shops. This gives you a real feel of the township life and vibe, as you somehow become part of the community. Inside, the ambiance is exclusive and private, and presents a more formal side of the establishment.
Depending on how you feel, Sakhumzi has you covered.
As the community faces a huge challenge of youth unemployment, Sakhumzi’s contribution has been their pride in employing the locals, training them to excel and become better in the industry. Additionally, they have identified projects such as farming to help the community and also uses farm products to supply the restaurant. This impact has left many empowered and many lives changed.
The tree where everything began still stands as a monument. The circle of friends has grown over the past 18 years. Like Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, Sakhumzi is building its own legacy in Soweto and touching lives from different continents. Well, the dream didn’t end under the tree.
Author
Mpho Netshivhambe
