Reality TV star Mohale Motaung has hit rock bottom as he reportedly closes down his restaurant in Johannesburg.
The Promising Venture
Mohale opened Fusion Cocktail Lounge in Melville, Johannesburg, in 2023. However, despite high hopes and a promising start, the establishment has now shut its doors for good. Mohale, known for his previous marriage to media personality and reality TV star Somizi Mhlongo, had envisioned the restaurant long before his relationship.
“It was a personal project, something that Mohale wanted to do for a long time, even before his relationship. He wanted to open his own restaurant. But we all know the restaurant business is not as glamorous as it seems on the outside, a friend disclosed to Zimoja.
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Mohale Closes Down Johannesburg Restaurant
Hosting numerous gatherings attended by South Africa’s top celebrities, Fusion Cocktail Lounge appeared to be thriving initially. Yet, behind the scenes, challenges were mounting. A former employee confirmed the closure, citing financial struggles as the primary reason.
Despite efforts to overcome obstacles, including the burden of rent, maintaining profitability proved elusive.
“He tried to keep it open. There were a few months when he battled with rent and was locked outside. But he decided to permanently close down. Staff was not paid, stock needed to be bought and rent does not come cheap especially when it comes to load shedding and using generators- it became expensive to run.
“The place would be closed a lot of the time, and customers would stop coming because of that. But this is not a bad reflection on Mohale. He tried, but maybe next time he can try something smaller as the venue was also too big to manage.”
A nearby business owner revealed:
“Sometimes they come around, but it’s always locked. A few months ago, they were locked out because of rent. Even the previous owner had issues. Also, there is a nightclub across that young people love, so the competition is tough.”
Despite attempts to reach out for comment, Mohale remained unreachable.