Former councillor gives a helping hand to ex-con
ALEXANDRA - Former Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality councillor understands the need for second chances as in the case of Khotso Mofolo.
The new owners of Jazz Joint on 11th Avenue are a match not expected by many, showing that anything is possible with the right mindset.
Former Ekurhuleni councillor Abdul Mogale and ex-convict Khotso Mofolo have joined forces to bring jazz back to Alexandra.
Jazz Joint, formerly known as Jazz Café, has been in existence for the past nine years. As of July the new owners took over with a vision to “re-launch jazz back in Alex”. Mogale said Alexandra was the home of jazz, with legends such as Hugh Masekela, Simon Nkabinde who was better known as Mahlathini and Ntemi Piliso, being former residents.
Mogale also emphasised that the joint was not about age but maturity. “We are not competing but bringing product differentiation,” he said. With the absence of a place such as the Jazz Joint, people were forced to go outside of Alexandra to have a good time.
Mofolo said he was grateful that Mogale could go into business with him, considering that he was an ex-convict. He said he would like to give back to the community. “I am now a better person and can raise my voice. People from behind bars can also learn and change,” he said.
Mogale added, “I saw an opportunity to give this changed man a second chance.”
