TAvERN AND RESTAuRANT REvIEWS

SpOTS TO WINE & DINE What was once a scrap yard is now Sedibeng Pub & Restaurant, an upmarket eatery located in Meadowlands, Zone 10. It started off as one of those humble spots in the area where people could go and quench their thirst, the advent of the 2010 World Cup was a catalyst, turning the Sedibeng Pub & Restaurant into a place booming with visiting tourists ready to enjoy South Africa’s cuisine. Manager, Wilson Rapitsei, was delighted to tell us about the food and service at the restaurant, “We are one of Soweto’s upmarket restaurants and we pride ourselves on good service which we feel adds value to your visit. The food and the decor inside the restaurant are exquisite,” he said. Sedibeng offers an a la carte menu but also cater for tourist and corporate lunches, buffets, promotions, birthdays and Christmas events. With the extended lapa the venue can now accommodate about 600 people. There’s an exclusive VIP area for private gatherings. The backyard pool is the cherry on top for Sedibeng. SEDIBENg PuB & RESTAuRANT THE SpOT TO quENCH YOuR THIRST

Sedibeng Manager, Wilson Rapitsei

THE ZoNE ENJOY AFRICAN CuISINE HERE!

The Zone Manager, John Gujamo

Lucky Mazibuko, though many people remember him as a journalist and Aids Activist, he was the man behind the launch of The Zone in Emdeni in 1998, a pub in the heart of Soweto. Manager John Gujamo says, “Though our patrons are mostly the working class, we do have high profile people who visit now and then. The weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) is the busiest period of the week for us.” Staple food at The Zone is mainly pap and steak, though fish and chips are also popular. The pub has resident DJs to keep patrons on the dance floor playing good and soothing music. “This is definitely one place where you can enjoy your drinks without breaking your leg (standard prices for drinks).” At The Zone, they have a database where customers can voluntarily register their names and contact details in order to be invited when they have specials or events. John says they are receiving a great response from their customers.

DJEMBAS – HOmE AWAY FROm HOmE

PANYAZA – THE BETTER PLACE To BRAAI IN SoWETo

Panyaza is a well established place where people from all walks of life can go and enjoy the best braaied meat in Soweto. “There’s no VIP area because we are all the same. I treat every person with the same respect, whether they’re from townships or tourists from overseas. People love the place,” explained the owner, Panyaza Mcineka. He explained that he originally started in Mofolo, back in 2003, before moving to Rockville where he says he enjoyed the company of different people. He then relocated to White City which he describes as a “happy place to be.” South Africans love to braai and love sharing this local love with international tourists; there’s no better place than Panyaza if you want to braai. He jokingly adds, “We allow people who are over 21-years-old, we don’t discriminate as long as you can still walk on your own.” After a good meal, Panyaza offers a good range of drinks from ciders and beers to good whiskeys.

Owner of Djembas, Dumisani Hadebe

Dumisani Hadebe, owner of Djembas is a true entrepreneur. Once a butcher and greengrocer, he has now opened his tavern in Emdeni.

“Most people who patronise Djembas are mature like me so I wanted to have a different and unique tavern in the area. At first I had to sell beer and food in a zozo (shack) from my house when I started back in 2003 but I knew that one day I would have one of the best Pubs in the South,” explained Dumisani. Now Djembas has an outside structure where people can enjoy their drinks and meals. On Sundays you can catch live bands, local artists and DJs. “I started this place because I wanted to give back to my community; I wanted to groom young talented and upcoming artists in this area.” Pay a visit at Djembas to enjoy a cold beer with succulent and juicy grilled chicken or fish, although their menu offers a variety of delicious meals to choose from.

“I can say Djembas is a ‘home away from home’ tavern where you can get peace of mind with ladies and gentlemen of class,” declared Dumisani.