Kini brings a new experience to Bedfordview

Entrepreneur, radio and TV presenter and actor Kini Nqaba Shandu from Bedfordview opened a Zulu-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant in the area on December 1, marking down yet another accomplishment in his budding career.

The 36-year-old comes from humble beginnings, where growing up in a poverty-stricken environment in KwaZulu-Natal has motivated him to follow each and every one of his dreams.

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“I am determined to expose and promote black excellence while benefiting more people through various self-initiated projects and programmes,” said Kini.

He has shown his entrepreneurial streak by founding an events management company, Inqaba Media.

“My vision now is to assist youth, especially struggling female entrepreneurs, with access to infrastructure,” said Kini.

He also added he wants to invest in the youth from rural communities and help build schools, village libraries, clinics and help with any infrastructure so people in remote areas can have access to a better life.

“The main goal of Inqaba Media is to change the status quo in any way, it can be the gender pay gap, inequality or placing more youth in decision-making positions,” he said.

Kini said he wants to motivate young people by instilling in them that everything is possible if you put your mind and soul into it.

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Right now Kini’s focus is on his recently opened cultural dining experience in Bedfordview.

“I began my journey into the dining industry by connecting with a partner who has already established himself in the industry,” said Kini.

Being Zulu, Kini was inspired by the rich culture South African Zulu’s have and just how much the culture has grown over the years.

“We as Africans have so much to offer from our cultures,” said Kini.

Kini, motivated by his culture, grabbed the opportunity to open the cocktail bar in Bedfordview with both hands.

“I fell in love with the area a long time ago and remember always telling myself I will one day live and have my business in Bedfordview.

“It is a very interesting place with different kinds of people, but overall it is a place I could live and grow old in,” said Kini.

He said the bar brings a new experience to Bedfordview.

“It’s a new culture and vibe of young people and the young at heart longing for food, drinks and good company, all while having a Zulu experience,” said Kini.

He said the bar and restaurant is unique in its own way and the Bedfordview community will fall in love with it.

On the struggles of being in the food industry, Kini said he would not call it struggles, but rather life lessons.

“I mean, what else is there to do when you are struggling? All you can do is keep on pushing, you never know when things might turn in your favour,” said Kini.

In the future, he hopes to take the same experience with his bar and restaurant to Dubai, New York and Cape Town.

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