The Gugulethu community is grieving following the death of well-known businessman Mzoli Ngcawuzele, who passed away in his home on Saturday 6 June after a long illness. Ngcawuzele, affectionately known as Tar Mzo, was the owner of the renowned Tshisanyama, Mzoli’s Place, in Gugulethu.

Remembering a champion of Gugulethu

Community activists have described Tar Mzo as a people person and an icon whose contributions helped put Gugulethu on the global map.

Gugulethu Development Forum (GDF) secretary Vincent Domingo described him as an international icon whose business attracted visitors from around the world.

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“Tar Mzo was an athlete before he became a businessman. He inspired many people in the community through sport. From athletics, he moved into business, where he became hugely successful. His business was known by people from all over the world. Visitors came from different countries to experience Mzoli’s Place. He is one of the people who made Gugulethu popular,” said Domingo.

A legacy of giving back

He described Tar Mzo as someone who was passionate about the development of the area and said he played a significant role in the establishment of the GDF.

“Tar Mzo was not only involved in the Gugulethu Business Forum but also in the GDF. He would often sponsor our workshops and community programmes. He also ran a soup kitchen to support vulnerable residents in Section 3, where he lived,” said Domingo.

Gugulethu Heritage Tourism board chairperson Dr Mzwandile Plaatjie said Tar Mzo’s death was a loss not only to his family but also to the broader community.

“I first got to know him in the late 1970s when he was involved in student leadership at Langa High School. Tar Mzo was my senior, and many of us looked up to him. He later became an accomplished athlete and encouraged many young people to participate in sport,” said Plaatjie.

A life shaped by sport and enterprise

“After retiring from athletics, he ventured into business. He first operated a small butchery at KwaNomtshongwana in Nyanga before opening Mzoli’s Place at NY115 in Gugulethu.”

Plaatjie added that Tar Mzo played a leading role in the establishment of Eyona Shopping Centre in Gugulethu before it was destroyed in the late 2000s and replaced by Gugulethu Square Mall.

He described Mzoli’s Place as a major tourist attraction and said Tar Mzo was known for his generosity and willingness to help others.

“We honoured him with a framed certificate bearing the Gugulethu logo during the launch of the logo in September 2022 in recognition of his contribution to the community,” said Plaatjie.

Founder and Principal Consultant of Hlahla Consulting Pty Ltd, Phumzile Nteyi, said Tar Mzo was a close friend of his older brother and served as an inspiration to many young people.

Inspiring the next generation

“He inspired many of us as young people. He helped numerous youngsters stay away from crime and encouraged them to pursue sport. Through his support, some had the opportunity to travel across the country. Tar Mzo elevated the name of Gugulethu and put it on the map. He leaves behind a legacy that challenges us to pick up the baton and continue his work,” said Nteyi.

He described Tar Mzo as humble, grounded and deeply connected to his community.

“One of the biggest lessons I learned from him in business was the importance of staying connected to your people. Tar Mzo would often sit with his customers, listening to them and engaging with them directly. If people had complaints, they spoke to him personally. He was always available, taking pictures with visitors and having conversations with them,” said Nteyi.