Zolani Mahola on Her Favourite Cape Town Haunts

I was born and raised in PE [Port Elizabeth]
I am inspired by stories; thoughts of the past, present and future. I’m genuinely appreciative of the experience of being alive.

If I could live anywhere in the world, I would choose South Africa – it’s pretty great despite all our problems. I love living here because I have a clear role here. I have a clear vision of how I can contribute: through storytelling and song. And I’m excited by our young people.

My dream lunch dates are Oprah, Stevie Wonder and Abraham Hicks [an inspirational teacher channelled by American author Esther Hicks] – all together.

Zolani on Cape Town

The thing I love most about living in Cape Town is the access to gorgeous nature –
especially as I live in the city bowl and it’s very quick to get out of urbanity into a forest,
mountain or the sea.

My favourite cuisine is African. Because I live in the city, and not a township, it’s not as easily
accessible – unless I cook it myself. So Marco’s African Place is always a good go-to for Xhosa
and other traditional African food.

My best beach in Cape Town is Clifton 4th. It’s racially mixed, easily accessible and usually
swimmable. [Ed: Swimmable? You call 0 degrees swimmable?]

My favourite bar is Hanks Old Irish on Bree Street. Feels like it could be in Ireland or New
York. Rustic and warm.

One of the most memorable restaurant meals I’ve eaten in CT lately was at Haiku. I recently celebrated a big milestone there with my family and we had all our favourites: the calamari, lamb, and some new favourites too. Always excellent food and service.

For a hike, I still like the Pipe Track when you’re heading towards Table Mountain. Relatively
easy while still giving one a heart lift – and it’s beautiful.

A wonderful weekend getaway my family and I enjoyed was at Bosman Family Vineyards in
Wellington, not far out of Cape Town. We stayed in the Vineyard Cottage. Recommended!

The best annual event in CT is the switching on of the festive-season lights. The city often
organises a show, and I’ve sung at a few. It’s very festive and people from all corners of the city
and surrounds come out – it’s so lovely.

Infecting the City is another I also very much love. It’s an annual theatre happening that takes
place in spaces around the city bringing theatre to everyday humans. It’s disruptive and always
amazing.

Flying solo

After fronting Freshlyground for 17 years, the singer-songwriter recently announced the launch of her solo career. Catch Zolani in her first one-woman show, The One Who Sings, at the Baxter Theatre from 19 to 23 November 2019. With oral-storytelling and original music, Zolani takes the audience on a sonic journey through the eyes of a girl growing up in a township in the Eastern Cape in the 1980s, and as a young adolescent in the early 1990s.

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