In the heart of Enseleni, where the rhythm of taxis meets the laughter from nearby swimming pools, stands a proudly local culinary gem, Engojeni Chills, owned by Sqiniseko Myeza(32). But behind the simmering pots and welcoming vibe is a story of resilience, passion for community, and a vision to place African cuisine on the tourism map.
Mr. Myeza’s journey didn’t start in the kitchen. It began in 2013 as a youth volunteer at Love Life, driven by a deep passion for community development. He later joined Thandukuphila NPO, working with vulnerable orphans and tackling health and nutrition challenges in local communities.
By 2017, his path led him to the City of uMhlathuze’s Public Participation unit, where he spent five years honing skills in citizen engagement and local governance, a role that would later shape his approach to community-focused business.
In 2018 and 2019, Myeza played a key coordination role in the Spring Tour Music Festival, one of the city’s largest cultural events. It was here that he saw firsthand the power of events to unite people and stimulate the local economy.
That same awareness helped him spot a gap in the market: authentic African cuisine. “Most places around here were selling fast food, but where was the space for homegrown meals that speak to who we are?” he recalls.
In 2021, he answered that question by starting Engojeni Chills near Tholokuhle High School, a modest venture with big dreams. It wasn’t easy. High rental costs and operating challenges tested his resilience. But he persisted.
The breakthrough came in March 2022, when he moved the eatery to its current location next to the Enseleni taxi rank and municipal swimming pools. With improved visibility and accessibility, the business took off.
Beyond serving delicious meals, Myeza turned Engojeni Chills into a vibrant event space, hosting birthday celebrations, baby showers, and his own curated entertainment events. These events do more than fill seats, they drive domestic tourism, drawing visitors from Ngwelezane, Esikhaleni, Richards Bay, and beyond.
“Our events aren’t just parties. They’re moments where people from different areas come to enjoy culture, music, and food, all in one place,” he says. He credits local DJs for their support, describing their collaboration not as an expense, but as a long-term investment in customer experience.
Of course, success comes with its own set of challenges. “Our furniture has worn out faster than expected because of the high foot traffic,” he laughs. “But to me, that just shows this place has potential.”
Another seasonal challenge is the rising cost of ingredients, especially during winter when supply becomes limited. But Myeza remains undeterred, seeing each challenge as a lesson and an opportunity to improve.
Looking ahead, his vision is growing: a car wash and shisa nyama, all under one roof, creating more jobs and targeting the vibrant taxi industry. “If I can feed the stomach, I can also feed the economy,” he says.
Currently, Engojeni Chills employs two permanent and two part-time staff, offering not just jobs, but hope in a community hungry for opportunity.
Sqiniseko Myeza’s story is a reminder that entrepreneurship, when rooted in culture and community, has the power to drive local economies and shape a township’s identity.
In Enseleni, he’s not just serving food, he’s dishing out inspiration.
