Local hero: Celebrating the unique journey from healthcare to food business

Time Out

3 days ago

Tshilidzi Nemutandani is a man whose love for serving people and entrepreneurial spirit have turned him into a local hero. From being the physiotherapist for the South African soccer team, Platinum Stars, to founding the award-winning African Cuisine restaurant Tshilis, this is the inspiring story of a man who wears many hats.
He chatted to us about his move from being solely a health practitioner to joining the culinary sector and some of his favourite things to do in Johannesburg.
Your restaurant Tshilis is well-liked by many locals in Gauteng, especially those in Midrand and the neighboring districts. Tell us about the man behind the brand.
I'm Tshilidzi Nemutandani, I'm from Venda and I came to Joburg in 2004. I'm a physiotherapist. In 2008, I bought this property [417 Monica's Place in Noordwyk], and converted it into a beauty spa. The original intention was to open my physio practice here, however, things changed. This space has grown over the years - from a small beauty spa to a restaurant. We specialise in African cuisine, and we also sell braai meat.
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Tell us about your love for traditional food?
I've always loved traditional food, especially the hardbody chicken. I can tell you that over the past 40 years, whenever it is Christmas at home, I never cook your 'seven colours'. I'm at my happiest when I'm having my hardbody chicken.
The love for traditional food goes back to my childhood, from my grandmother. She is the one who made me love hardbody chicken. I even sourced her recipe for this restaurant.
What's your most-selling dish at Tshilis?
It is mainly mogodu (tripe). It is flying out of the window, followed by the beef stew.
There are a lot of restaurants that sell traditional cuisine. What makes Tshilis stand out?
I think it has been consistency. If you check over the years, no matter how things have changed, we have maintained our standard. If you see the calibre of people that come here - we host ministers, CEOs, and ordinary people. Everyone trusts us for our consistency.
It is low-key, no noise, but high profile in terms of clientele. For that, I'm very grateful.
Why did you choose to run your business in Gauteng?
Back in the days, before I came to Gauteng, I used to be a physiotherapist for Platinum Stars. I used to practice in Limpopo, so when they got the promotion into PSL, I came with them in 2004. That's how I ended up here.
Gauteng is good for business. Unlike in the rural area where people can support because they know you and your family. In Gauteng, everyone has equal opportunities from the business point of view, that's why it is good. I don't even know most of the people who come to Tshilis. They just come here to support and they want the service. Whereas at home, people want to know whose child is this, what have they done for my forefathers? What I love about Gauteng is that you can start from nothing, because no one cares who are you, as long as you are giving them value for money. I think that differentiates Gauteng from other places.
What meal would you recommend international tourists to try when visiting South Africa?
Skopo (sheep's or cow's head). Our skopo is too good. I have people who come from Pretoria just for the skopo. I can't recommend beef stew because there is beef stew in other parts of the world.
I'd also recommend masonja ( mopani worms) or maotwana (chicken feet).People need to be adventurous.
As Tshilis, we have in the past donated shoes to learners. I've also mentored several young people.
What's your favourite spot to chill in Johannesburg?
I love Carnivore in Muldersdrift. They sell different kinds of meat. I go there a lot. I love it because it is very private, hidden and it is a tourist place.
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Whose your favourite local musician?
Zonke. I love the woman. If I could afford her, I'd bring her to perform here. I've brought a lot of comedians - Skhumba, Celesta, the late Mashata, Wilson B Nkosi, Mashabela, and many others.
What's your favourite soccer team?
It used to be chiefs. I've given up because they have been losing so much.
It's winter, where do you go for coffee?
I normally pop in at Wimpy. I drink coffee everyday. I stop at Engen garage and get a cup of coffee at Wimpy and then go to work.
What's your favourite shopping centre in Johannesburg?
I'm one of those, when I go shopping with my family, I sit in the car until they are done shopping. However, If I have to choose a mall, I'd say Mall of Africa because it is big.
Montecasino. My kids love Montecasino.
I also love it here at Tshilis - we have got a salon, a spa, a car wash and a lodge. This is a nice place to hang out.
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