Acclaimed V&A Waterfront Culinary Gem, Emazulwini, to Shut Down

In a somber turn for Cape Town's gastronomic community, Emazulwini, an award-winning restaurant gripping the edges of the iconic V&A Waterfront, is slated to draw its final curtain this month. Chef Mmabatho Molefe's temple of modern Nguni cuisines will cease operations on Sunday, February 25, leaving patrons and the broader food scene in South Africa to lament the loss of a cultural and culinary stronghold.

Opened originally as a beacon of post-pandemic resilience in 2020, Emazulwini emerged at the V&A Waterfront’s culinary incubator, Makers Landing. Molefe, a visionary chef who found herself jobless amid the restaurant industry's crisis, pivoted to articulate her heritage through the language of food. The transformative space provided by Makers Landing enabled her to anchor a narrative that deeply reflected her Zulu roots and commitment to South African flavors.

Emazulwini was more than a dining location; it was Molefe's heartfelt storytelling platform. Here, family memories enlivened dishes that showcased the splendor of Zulu cuisine, and the restaurant sought to raise the status quo of humble meals to extraordinary culinary experiences. Yet, the circle has come to its end with the restaurant announcing its impending closure.

The restaurant's Instagram farewell echoes a journey laced with growth, community, and the pure joy of service. Molefe reminisces on the small-scale beginnings — a 10-seater establishment with a hand-picked team — a testament to the transformative power of passion and culinary artistry. She hints at a grand conclusion, a special collaborative effort for their last Sunday service, encouraging followers to watch their social media for details.

The legacy of Emazulwini delves deeper than its delightful dishes. This young establishment swiftly ascended to prominence, snatching the African Restaurant of the Year title at the 4th annual Luxe Restaurant Awards in 2022. The same timeline engraved Chef Molefe's name as a "hospitality pioneer" on the flagship 50 Next list by The World's 50 Best, where she voiced out her dreams and affirmed her mission to uplift indigenous cuisine.

Cape Town, particularly the V&A Waterfront, basks in global acclaim as a stage for diverse and inventive culinary ventures. The closure of Emazulwini thus sends ripples through the food industry, signaling a bittersweet farewell to a chapter that beautifully married African heritage with gourmet refinement.

The story of Emazulwini, though approaching its final sentence, remains a spirited reminder of the power inherent in food's capacity to unite, inspire, and stir souls. In its absence, the dining scene shall hold a space, anticipating the next chapter of Chef Molefe's spirited saga within the realm of South African gastronomy.