Penwell Dlamini

Penwell Dlamini

It took South Korean frog leg dishes to inspire Lemogang Aurelia Lehabe into starting her own catering and accommodation business.

After being a teacher for more than a decade, she realised that she could not take her four children to private schools and still be able to pay her bills.

So, in 1993 she joined the department of sports, arts and culture as exhibition coordinator which was a turning point in her life.

In 1998 her department sent her to South Korea for three months to learn about exhibitions and the accommodation business.

"I was frustrated when I saw that all cuisine were available except South African dishes," said Lehabe.

"We ate frog legs and all kinds of stuff and that inspired me start my business that would be known internationally." She then started her business in 2002.

"I sent all my children to boarding schools so that I could use some of my rooms to host guests."

Her village had never seen such a business so they accused her of running a brothel.

"I could not get tenders even from my department," she said.

Her business, Gae Accommodation and Catering, is on the road to Molopo Game Reserve which borders Botswana.

Lehabe has added authentic craft exhibition, traditional dance and music. She now has 11 rooms for accommodation.