After years of telling other people’s stories, former reporter Zimkhita Macingwane is now writing her own – one plate at a time.
From the newsroom to the heart of Mthatha, she has swapped microphones for menus, serving crocodile meat and other dishes through her new restaurant, Zimbandi Eatery.
The business was born out of a deeply personal journey. After losing 54kg and changing her lifestyle, Macingwane saw how hard it was to find healthy food in her community.
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Instead of settling for what was available, she opened Zimbandi Eatery, a healthy restaurant that serves crocodile, ostrich, and other game meat alongside traditional South African favourites like umngqusho (samp and beans) and umleqwa (hardbody chicken).
She decided to create something new, an eatery where people who wanted to eat well could do so without leaving Mthatha.
“Healthy food shouldn’t be a luxury or something you find only in big cities. I wanted to bring it home,” she told Vutivi News.
Though she had no professional culinary background, her vision was clear.
“I wanted to help others who are on a health journey like mine, but still want flavour, tradition and comfort,” she said.
“I funded the entire venture myself using savings from my 17 years in media and government,” said Macingwane, who worked as a journalist for the SABC for 12 years before becoming a municipal spokesperson.
Today, she’s the proud owner of a growing business that employs eight staff members and is fast becoming a go-to venue for both meals and special events in Mthatha.
She said the inspiration behind the name Zimbandi came from the isiXhosa word zimnandi meaning it’s delicious.
It also reflects her desire to make game meat more accessible to local communities.
“Not many people in this area are familiar with game meat like crocodile or ostrich. We wanted to change that. Game meat is not only tasty, it’s lean, rich in protein and low in cholesterol,” she said.
But the road hasn’t been easy. Her meat suppliers are located outside the Eastern Cape, driving up sourcing costs.
Last month, criminals broke into her premises and stole equipment. Despite these setbacks, Macingwane remains determined.
“People are responding positively, especially to the crocodile. Many of our customers return regularly and some believe the meat has spiritual benefits,” she said.
While she makes no claims herself, she is happy her eatery is meeting both health and cultural needs.
Zimbandi’s popularity also stems from its ability to host memorable events.
“We’ve hosted over five events since opening and we’re gaining a strong reputation in that space,” she said.
The restaurant offers dine-in, takeaways and delivery options and is available on Mr D, making it accessible to a wide range of customers.
In the next two to five years, she hopes to open more branches and eventually franchise the brand.
“I want to build a brand that is rooted in wellness, heritage and bold choices,” she said.
