• Tweet

BEEF BARONESS: Mandisa Kadalie

RELATED ARTICLES

• Ntini's hard work pays off
• World-class culinary school to open in PE
• Razzle-dazzle at Fikile's sports gig
• World is your oyster in Knysna
• South African innovator takes water out of showering
• Emerging farmer shines in Brazil
• NEF pays out R500m for empowerment
• Plan to boost black enterprise
• SMMEs meet funders
• Fund plans to grow economy

MANDISA Kadalie's name stands for instant success with her regulars at her Karoo Cattle & Land restaurant in Rosebank Mall's Zone 2, especially those who love to sink their teeth into the restaurant's prime steak or whatever grabs their fancy.

At first glance the restaurant looks like a steakhouse but closer scrutiny reveals that it offers something more than that: it's a place with true South African soul and provides traditionally prepared meals.

The day we visited the franchise outlet it was filled with men and women of all ages and races, some chatting casually while others worked away on their laptops.

"This is a popular lunch spot for sophisticated business executives," Kadaie says.

"People are attracted by our smooth mix of cutting-edge cosmopolitan décor and the family-friendly atmosphere."

Considering its fine menu it is no wonder the place is frequented by executives.

The owner of this high-end franchise outlet says lunch hours are by far the busiest.

What is her winning formula?

"Hard work and a good work ethic. People like to come to a place that is run professionally.

"I work long hours and weekends, managing the staff, discussing menus, organising functions and taking bookings, and making sure everything is prepared and ready to function smoothly."

Kadalie, who opened up last December, says owning a business is something she always wanted to do when she retired.

She says she was attracted to this particular franchise because it was "so workable".

"Funders have an appetite for franchise outlets because they have been tried and tested. What attracted me to this business is that it reflects multi-culturalism and our rainbow nation."

She adds that the restaurant is also raising the profile of the country in the world and elevating our culture's cuisine internationally.

"We are surrounded by six top hotels. The place is also frequented by tourists who want to be exposed to local tastes. We have had French, American, German and Chinese diners to name just a few nationalities. It is a place where celebrities hang out, " says the single mother of one, who grew up in Mthatha and studied in Europe.

This Webster University graduate, who holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, says her business also caters for corporate lunches and dinners for companies around Rosebank and for families who want to celebrate special occasions.

"For events we do not charge for the venue, that is why we are popular with businesses. The place can take 150 people. What is great is that we are on the doorstep of the Gautrain stop."

Kadalie, whose business was funded by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF), says starting this business was not an easy process. "I am grateful that NEF believed in my dream."

Kadale now employs 28 people. Advice for those who want to do this kind of business?

"Work with people who are doing what you love, and love what you are doing."

Comments

• Sign in or sign up to comment

Fri May 24 23:05:33 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 28, 2012

MGEEZ

That is what i am talking about!!!! That is money put to good use right there; that is how you create sustainable jobs!!!
Report Abuse

Jun 28, 2012

Dandan

Not enough, not at all impressed, this is what we are complaining about , when our funds are distributed to the cities and elitists , it is so disappointing that youth graduates with business plans are not seen yet you come to tell us about a retired mom who should have used her severance package to start business , this is not on at all.


Its worrying that professionals have big mouth about ANC leadership , yet they do such shoddy work , its true that an empty tin makes lot of noise, where is the youth.

There is no doubt that this had connection or favouritism, government fund is very rare to fund sole proprietor than CC, why they did nt fund a CC, what is really one out of 45million people.

Report Abuse

Jun 28, 2012

MGEEZ

@Dandan
You almost sound as though you have a personal vendetta against the woman!!! Her age has nothing to do with the fact that she had a business idea; received funding for it and now she is making it work!!! She employs 28 people for crying out loud (who would have been otherwise unemployed); which is what this country needs; entrepreneurs who would employ others regardless of what their age is. Unless you have objective knowledge; your accusation of favoritism and connections is just that " an unfounded accusation". Come up with an idea of your own; draft a business plan and see whether you will not get funding please and quit your PHD "Pull Her Down" Syndrome!!!!
Report Abuse

Jun 28, 2012

Dandan

MGEEZ

is your aunt , sorry for coming hard, in actuall fact I dont have a problem with her my problem is with NEF, for nt doing enough, what is your vomit I dont know because government direction is to fund coops otherthan sole proprietor
Report Abuse

Jun 28, 2012

MGEEZ

@Dandan
MGEEZ
is your aunt , sorry for coming hard, in actuall fact I dont have a problem with her my problem is with NEF, for nt doing enough, what is your vomit I dont know because government direction is to fund coops otherthan sole proprietor
=======================================================================
As I expected from your lot (those who mistake insults for debates), you did not come up with anything new( but that which is expected from you; insults). Thank you for not failing to be yourself; its refreshing!!!
Report Abuse

Jun 28, 2012

THEOZA

@Dandan
coops, soleproprietors the bottom line is creating jobs and empowering our black community,
@MORNACH!ES011
Why do you always see negativity, who said this woman had to sleep her way to the top? have you evr tried any of these organisations and see if you cannot get funds for whatever business you "so called youth" want to start because a lot of SAs believes in being employed rather thatn franchising or starting their own businesses UZOYITHOLA KANJANI UHLELI EKHONENI, let the youth rise up and exhaust all the opportunities awarded to them then they can come back and say they tried.
Report Abuse

Jun 28, 2012

Dandan

THEOZA

uzoyithola kanjani ungenayo iconnection
Report Abuse

Jun 28, 2012

DjEp

I think the only time when one gets such funds there is either favours or a shareholding agreement. i know of great ideas koKasi which keeps being kicked out every year when applying for funding, although its a good business idea. They kick it back without explaining what is the real reason and how can they help. i dont think they will expect someone from the streets of Parys to write a proper business plan. The concept must be right and they must give a guiding hand not the midle finger as they normaly do. Above all that she deserves it and if this could be spread further into outskirts it would add value.
Report Abuse

Jun 28, 2012

Daffy

@Mgeez;@dandan and @djep
Mgeez gripe is genuine, this is not the first time NEF did this a couple a years ago they funded a magazine BLINK you remeber that? they pumped millions into the holding compnay Orylphant becasue the people involved were 'the in group" skaars 1 year and the venture went belly up! the same with IDC a entrepuerer from notrhwest had to actually ask for Pres Zuma at a business breakfast by a kow newspaper and SABC2 to intervene as the IDC would not fund him. these people are the same like the NYDA a bunch of corrupt hippies. would not be correct to go on a site visit when a business idea is presented. phela budding smme want funding for an IDEA so the NEF; IDC as well as Khula.
DJEp again youare correct they should rather have a stake in the idea
Report Abuse

Jun 28, 2012

DjEp

every year this NEF gets millions of rands tofund up and coming interepreneurs and what they do is to fund their lavish life style and big parties at Midrand for the ANC stovel gathering.
Report Abuse

Read all 13 comments