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By Anita Kube
KATSO’S PLACE
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very simple setup, and not in a bad way, which is quite a gamble in the back streets of Thulane. With a relaxing and laid back atmosphere, Katso’s is inspired by tradition and shared community support offering the best possible shebeen experience. Katso’s also has a fireplace to keep patrons warm in winter. It has been running for years and apart from a great selection of beers, the atmosphere is quite homely and welcoming and the prices are reasonable. Katso’s tries not to be just a ‘shebeen’ but a neighbourhood shebeen so it is really worth dropping by if you want to just chill with your friends and family and have a good time. Either way, the real highlight - besides the friendly
MY LOVIES
service - is the beers. Dimakatso Khala started back in 2002 with a single case of beer, running the business from a family home but thanks to perseverance and dedication, she is now in the process of renovating her establishment to offer more to her patrons. In 2000 she became a member of the National Tourism & Hospitality Association (NTHA) before she even became an entrepreneur and that support from the organisation has made her into the strong businessperson she is today.
and the like. If in doubt, ask - the local diners will explain the dishes to you. Vegetarians are also catered for.
Khala’s is also famous for their weekend meals. Shebeen food is without a doubt township comfort food, but like most township shebeens, Katso’s doesn’t have a regular menu. Their food ranges from amanqina and mngqusho to half skop
Katso’s is open 10am until 10pm on weekdays and 10am till 12am weekends.
Realising what is important to her patrons, Sarah has forged good relations with her neighbours, that they agreed to provide safe parking for her patrons at negotiable terms, ensuring adequate parking especially when it gets really crowded in the My Lovies is the epitome of a kasi pub late afternoon. “Being the sole owner and restaurant. The pub has been around of the business and a member of NTHA for almost two decades and is popularly assisted hugely in how a business like known for it’s scrumptious menu and mine is run,” says Sarah. My Lovies is friendly vibe. Sarah Maaroganye started a place you can easily make friends, her business selling liquor in 1990 but particularly during local football derbies, she later incorporated selling food, commemoration days, and national which is her passion. Over the years she public holidays when My Lovies fills up, has taken it upon herself to undergo a and continues trading until late. catering course to add to her set of skills. She is due to graduate from this course The veteran also makes mention of her key positions as an executive of NTHA next month.
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Like any other business, Katso’s Place has had its fair share of hiccups but it is flourishing. Over the years Dimakatso has attended several workshops while serving under the NTHA and in the process she has also acquired a number of formal qualifications. She expressed her gratitude to the NTHA family for supporting her business continuously.
Location: 35368 Block 10, Thulane, Snake-Park.
and a chairperson of the Braamfisher and Dobsonville branches of NTHA as well. She officially joined the association in the year 2001 and has never looked back. As the business grew, she decided that sticking to catering for a more mature audience - typically jazz music lovers – was, for her, an absolute privilege. When asked about her food, she answered, “We are rapidly getting a reputation for serving excellent, generously portioned, home-cooked food. The menu is changed regularly to suit the seasonal changes, the produce is locally sourced and prepared with great care to deliver exceptionally fresh and inspired dishes, every time.” Overall, this pub is extremely good value for money, with a great atmosphere as well as excellent service. Location: 9564 Maaroganye Street, Ext 3, Dobsonville
