The Kasi2Kasi tourism campaign continued its mission of spotlighting South Africa’s township and village experiences with a cultural stop in the heart of QwaQwa, where tourism influencers and stakeholders gathered at HaMagriza’s Indigenous Restaurant & Co-working Hub.
Located in Phuthaditjhaba within the Maluti-a-Phofung municipality, the venue offered the Kasi2Kasi crew a rich taste of African heritage through food.
A Taste of Indigenous South African Cuisine
As part of the campaign’s Free State experience, guests enjoyed a traditional African lunch featuring locally inspired dishes deeply rooted in generational cooking traditions.
The menu included favourites such as:
- Skopo (head meat)
- Mala-mohodu (tripe)
- Dumplings
- Chicken Feet
Organisers said the culinary experience highlighted the importance of preserving indigenous food culture as part of South Africa’s broader tourism offering.
More Than a Restaurant
Founded by Sabata Lepele, HaMagriza’s has evolved into more than just a dining venue.
The establishment blends:
- Traditional cuisine
- Creative co-working spaces
- Local art and cultural expression
- Community-driven events
Designed as a “home away from home,” the hub attracts artists, entrepreneurs, students and visitors seeking an authentic township experience.
Its interior features reclaimed wood décor, locally inspired artwork and scenic outdoor seating overlooking the surrounding mountains — creating an atmosphere that reflects both creativity and community identity.
A Hub for Creativity and Community
Beyond food, the venue has become a growing cultural hotspot in QwaQwa, regularly hosting:
- Live music sessions
- Art exhibitions
- Business networking dialogues
- Youth art workshops
This community-centred approach aligns closely with the broader goals of the South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation and the Kasi2Kasi campaign, which seeks to elevate local spaces often overlooked in mainstream tourism narratives.
Township Tourism Takes Centre Stage
The Kasi2Kasi initiative — supported by partners including Sho’t Left, South African National Taxi Council and Jaecoo South Africa — is designed to reposition townships and villages as vibrant tourism destinations.
The campaign route spans from Johannesburg through the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal before concluding in Durban ahead of Africa Travel Indaba.
Its core mission is to:
- Promote community-based tourism
- Drive influencer-led storytelling
- Support local tourism businesses
- Showcase authentic South African experiences
Reframing South Africa’s Tourism Narrative
Tourism experts increasingly believe that township and village tourism represents one of South Africa’s most valuable growth opportunities.
By focusing on local culture, food, music and entrepreneurship, campaigns like Kasi2Kasi are helping shift tourism away from traditional attractions alone and toward experiences grounded in real communities.
For many travellers — both local and international — authenticity has become a major drawcard.
Final Word
The stop at HaMagriza’s Indigenous Restaurant & Co-Working Hub highlighted exactly what the Kasi2Kasi campaign aims to achieve: turning township spaces into celebrated cultural destinations while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
As the journey continues across South Africa, the campaign is steadily building a new tourism narrative — one driven by heritage, creativity and the spirit of kasi culture.
Follow the campaign online using:
#Jaecoo #SATOVITO #ShotLeft #SANTACO #Kasi2Kasi #SiyamengConsultants #VisitFreeState #DiscoverFreeState #JaecooShotLeft
