For many residents of Gugulethu in Cape Town, Mzoli Ngcawuzele was more than a successful businessperson. Through the iconic Mzolis Place, he helped transform township tourism, created economic opportunities for hundreds of people and proved that township enterprises could attract visitors from around the globe.
Among those whose lives were changed by his vision is Nombeko Lephuthing, who says the internationally renowned shisanyama helped her build a career as a tour guide despite growing up as an orphan.
Ngcawuzele, the founder of Mzolis Place, died at his home at the weekend. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from community members, businesspeople and tourism stakeholders who credit him with opening doors for township entrepreneurs and putting Gugulethu on the international map.
