Mzoli’s Meat and Grill, the revival of Cape Town’s legendary Gugulethu shisanyama founded by the late Edwin “Ta Mzoli” Ngcawuzele, is opening its doors in Dunkley Square on September 5, 2026, according to Public Relations and Marketing Officer Elvis Nyelenzi. The landmark township brand, which shut down in 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions and economic pressures, is returning with a new franchise and bring-and-braai business model designed to expand the culinary experience across South Africa.
Reviving the Legacy in Cape Town’s City Bowl
The new venue in trendy Dunkley Square brings the famous shisanyama culture away from its traditional Gugulethu roots and into the heart of the Mother City. Ahead of the grand opening, the brand hosted an event featuring Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and MEC of Cultural Affairs Ricardo Mackenzie. According to Elvis Nyelenzi, the expansion aims to make the familiar atmosphere more accessible to residents from across the region and international visitors. The brand’s leadership stresses that while the physical footprint is growing, the core identity remains tied to the community that built it in the early 2000s.
Did you know? Mzoli’s Place gained international fame in the mid-2000s as a Sunday afternoon hotspot where locals, tourists, and celebrities gathered for braaied meat accompanied by deep house and kwaito music.
Expansion and the New Franchise Business Model
Growth is the central focus of this new chapter. Nyelenzi stated that the long-term vision involves taking the brand to a wider audience across South Africa and the wider African continent. To achieve this, the organization is implementing a franchise model based on the traditional bring-and-braai concept. This structure is intended to create opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs to manage individual outlets while stimulating local economic activity and job creation.
Connecting Communities Across the Region
Management insists that moving into the City Bowl does not mean abandoning the original location. Nyelenzi noted that Gugulethu remains an integral part of the brand’s history and identity. The strategy focuses on creating spaces where patrons from diverse backgrounds—including Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, the northern suburbs, and Table View—can gather for food, music, and networking.
Pro Tip: When visiting the new Dunkley Square location, expect the same signature shisanyama energy, social atmosphere, and grilled meat platters that defined the original Gugulethu landmark.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the new Mzoli’s open?
Mzoli’s Meat and Grill officially opens to the public on Saturday, September 5, 2026.
Where is the new Mzoli’s located?
The new venue is situated in Dunkley Square in Gardens, Cape Town.
Why did the original Mzoli’s Place close?
The original Gugulethu shisanyama shut down in 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions and an economic downturn.
Will the original Gugulethu location be forgotten?
According to PR and Marketing Officer Elvis Nyelenzi, Gugulethu remains a permanent part of the brand’s identity, and the team has no plans to turn its back on the community.
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