Kwa-Thema – Café 69 will celebrate its 10th year at the beginning of October. Established in 2015 by the late Shoes Tshabalala, the local establishment was created for fans of soul, Afro pop, and R&B lovers at eMajudeni.

“We wanted to be unique and offer something different from the pubs that were there. And Bra Shoes trusted my creativity,” explained Tebogo Mantambo, the owner.

Mantambo joined Tshabalala in February 2016 and never looked back. One of the main pillars of the brand’s purpose is social improvement and economic development.

He said they had only six staff members in 2016, and the number has grown to about seventy.

“We have contributed a lot to the community over the years. Wherever we can, we do,” he said.

The organisation has consistently sponsored families with groceries during the Christmas season. After starting with twenty families in 2019, last year they sponsored more than 100.

Café 69 moved from Majudeni and settled at the vibrant centre of Kwa-Thema after Mantambo acquired The Venue in 2023.

“I immediately introduced Café 69 Entertainment as part of the umbrella body. We have great plans to grow the brand further in the short term. This includes creating another thirty to forty jobs,” added Mantambo.

The newly renovated building is a beautiful sight.

“Looking back at where we came from, I am happy to see how far we have come.What stands out for me is the contribution that I have made to the community. I still want more, but the little that I had I shared with many other people,” he said.

Café 69 will celebrate its 10th year with a buffet of music ranging from jazz to amapiano, from October 2 to 5.