The new Mzoli Meat & Grill is located at 15 Barnet Street in Gardens, with its official opening scheduled for 5 September 2026.
The return of the famous name comes shortly after the death of founder Edwin “Mzoli” Ngcawuzele, affectionately known as Ta Mzo, who built the Gugulethu institution into one of South Africa’s most recognisable township food and entertainment brands.
The new venue is already operating in some form, with current listings showing Mzoli Meat, Grill & Gardens at the Barnet Street address.
Premier Alan Winde welcomes the return
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has publicly welcomed the revival, celebrating what Mzoli’s represented to Cape Town – shisanyama, ubuntu, music, food and the distinctive spirit of the township.
“When you hear ‘Mzoli’s’ what comes to mind? Shisanyama, ubuntu, and that unmistakable Kasi spirit!” Winde said.
He added that the institution, known for the communal experience of sharing a plate, was “firing up again” and described the new chapter as one that carries forward the legacy of the late Ta Mzo.
Winde’s comments come as the provincial government continues to promote the Western Cape’s tourism, hospitality and township economies.
From Gugulethu to Gardens
The move to Gardens marks a significant change for the Mzoli’s brand.
For years, Mzoli’s was synonymous with Gugulethu, where Ngcawuzele transformed a meat business into a cultural institution.
The formula was simple but powerful – quality meat, a braai, music, drinks and people coming together.
The venue became a magnet for locals and tourists, attracting celebrities and international visitors while helping establish Gugulethu as a destination for people wanting to experience Cape Town beyond its traditional tourist attractions.
Mzoli’s became much more than a place to eat.
It was a symbol of township entrepreneurship and a demonstration of how a locally rooted business could develop into an internationally recognised South African brand.
The struggles that changed Mzoli’s
But the Mzoli’s story has not been without challenges.
The Gugulethu establishment experienced periods of disruption, including concerns about crime and safety, economic pressures and the impact of Covid-19.
The original venue eventually closed, leaving questions over whether one of Cape Town’s most famous shisanyama institutions would ever return.
That made Ngcawuzele’s death earlier this year even more significant for those who had followed the Mzoli’s journey.
Ta Mzo’s death left a major legacy
Ngcawuzele died in June 2026 after a long illness, aged 71.
His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the business, tourism and cultural communities.
He was remembered not simply as the man behind a famous restaurant, but as a businessman who helped create jobs, opportunities and a new model for township hospitality.
His name became inseparable from Gugulethu and from the idea that township businesses could attract visitors from around the world while remaining deeply connected to their communities.
For many who knew him, Ta Mzo’s greatest achievement was creating a space where people from different backgrounds could sit around the same table.
Now the name moves into a new era
The opening of Mzoli Meat & Grill in Gardens raises a different question – can the brand recreate the magic of the original while introducing it to a new audience?
The answer will likely depend on whether the new venue can preserve the elements that made Mzoli’s special in the first place.
The food remains central, with the new establishment offering grilled meats, platters, traditional South African dishes and the familiar braai-focused experience. Current listings include lamb, beef, chicken, pork and traditional dishes, alongside meat bought from the butchery and prepared on site.
But the bigger attraction is the legacy.
The official opening on 5 September represents the first major public milestone for the new Mzoli Meat & Grill – and a chance to see whether the spirit of Ta Mzo can successfully move from Gugulethu to Gardens.
Mzoli’s may have a new address, but the promise remains familiar: good meat, good music, community and a plate that is never eaten alone.
