Fish restaurant aims to change lives of many

MBOMBELA – Pat Madikiza Angel Fish has made a difference in the small community of Bhuga.
On a recent visit, I noticed a resemblance to Mzoli’s Place situated in Gugulethu, Cape Town, which is a haven for tourists in the Western Cape.
Pat Madikiza Angel Fish has just the right atmosphere to attract tourists to this village. Customers can enjoy the liberty of feasting on the braaied fish dish on offer.
I met up with owner, Patrick Ngelo, who said if you are driven by passion, your talent can take you to greater heights.
“I started to braai fish at home and as time went on, catering companies started to approach me to braai for them, until one day I decided to establish my own kasi restaurant. I named the fish Madikiza Angel Fish, because it’s not just a fish, it is unique and juicy. I marinate it and mix my own spice and sauce that I cannot disclose to the public,” he said.
Ngelo, who is an inspiration to young people of this area, said he does not concentrate only on profit. What puts a smile on his face is seeing young people taking a stand and changing their lives with the little knowledge that they gain from the restaurant.
“I am not new in this game, I have another branch in Makoko which shows that the fish business is growing. I have absorbed young people that I have trained on how to prepare the fish and they are doing well. “Instead of indulging in substance abuse, they are being developed and are worthy hosts for the different groups we receive here on a daily basis,” he alluded.
The number of patrons are increasing in leaps and bounds, from locals and those from the CBD. His only desire right now is to further develop to be able to accommodate more than 100 customers at a time.
“I wish one day to own a big place since our customers increase daily. On the other side we have a car wash for our patrons while they dine here,” said Ngelo.
Next time you crave braaied fish, this is the ultimate place to visit.