The Makubenjalo Pub and Restaurant’s December 7 reopening has reignited excitement for fun-seekers and boosted the Diepkloof community and the wider Soweto area.

After an 11-month closure for extensive renovations, the popular venue reopened with a vibrant celebration this past weekend, marking a new chapter for Makubenjalo and its community.

Its return has revived economic activity for nearby small businesses around the venue, which rely on its foot traffic.

Employing more than 80 staff sourced from the local community, Makubenjalo is reaffirming its commitment to township upliftment.

ALSO READ: Greater Protea CPF tackles social ills at Women’s Month awareness event

Owner Katlego ‘KG’ Bogatsu says the business has always been rooted in the community.

“Makubenjalo is community-based in that most of our suppliers are locally sourced, especially from Diepkloof and Soweto,” says KG.

“We have always been pro-Soweto entrepreneurship and the development of our kasi because we are from here; born and bred in Soweto.”

This commitment is evident in the cluster of small businesses, including informal street vendors, that thrive around Makubenjalo, especially over weekends.

ALSO READ: Greater Protea CPF tackles social ills at Women’s Month awareness event

Even though Makubenjalo offers its own food on-site, the venue welcomes local vendors to trade just outside its doors, fostering a supportive and mutually beneficial environment for all.

“There is a lot of trade in and around the precinct when Makubenjalo operates, including suppliers that benefit through increased business. The whole value chain is centred around the people of our township,” adds KG.

While the establishment welcomes patrons and talent from outside Soweto, KG says they were intentional during the recent recruitment drive by giving first preference to young Sowetans.

Through initiatives such as the Jams on Ice events, the team creates opportunities for young people to gain practical work experience and entrepreneurial skills.

ALSO READ: Netball tournament in Moletsane tackles social ills

Though based in Diepkloof, the Makubenjalo brand has expanded its footprint to other provinces through partnerships with major events. Examples are the Durban July in KZN and Macufe, the major annual cultural event in the Free State.

These activities elevate the brand and promote Soweto as a tourism and cultural destination.

Beyond entertainment, Makubenjalo continues to invest in community development. Its outreach programmes, including winter drives, soup kitchens and other social support initiatives, remain a core part of its identity.

KG revealed that they will soon launch the Makubenjalo Foundation to ensure these efforts are sustained for the long term.

ALSO READ: Awareness highlights social ills among Diepkloof residents

The reopening comes just in time for the festive season. KG promises that the signature energy and atmosphere, fondly known by locals as the ‘Njalos vibe’, will remain unchanged.

“We are known for the vibe and we have created many trends,” he says.

“We plan to introduce daily trade with an upgraded kitchen. That way, people can come anytime and enjoy a meal. Other than that, the fun and the vibe will continue.”