Local property mogul, Malibongwe Dadase has opened Tshisanyama Lifestyle just a stones thrown away from The Spade hotel in Mandela Park.
With tenants unable to pay their monthly rentals, due to the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and some people loosing their jobs, Dadase had to demolish some of his rental flats and build a new business, and voila – tshisanyama.
Dadase said he always had passion of turning ordinary houses and plots into someone else’s dream home.
For years he has steadily built his reputation as one of the trusted property developers in Khayelitsha.
However, he also had a dream of opening and running a unique tshisanyama.
Dadase said at some point his dream seemed far-fetched. “When Covid hit the country and forced the government to implement lockdown measures, in an effort to curb the spread of Covid 19 – many of my tenants lost their income, meaning that they were no longer able to pay their monthly rent,”said the visionary.
He decided to venture into a different business strategy and to put Khayelitsha on the map.
Dadase’s vision is to create an upmarket experience in the township. He believes that anyone can sell meat and pap but his focus is to sell the ultimate African braai experience with class, style and dignity.
When people speak about tshisanyama it is often assumed to be located in shabby corners.
This establishment seeks to offer the same premium standard found in the upmarket eateries such as safety, quality and cleanliness.
“With the huge unemployment rate, the business comes at the right time as it will employ young people from Khayelitsha. Creating job opportunities is one of the ways in which the establishment is giving back to the community of Khayelitsha,” he said.