Bulawayo’s Big 5 Food Movers & Shakers
Meet the visionaries cooking up a new cultural revolution.
When people speak of Bulawayo, they often speak of its proud heritage—its royal Ndebele history, the echoes of the Khami ruins, and the unmistakable cultural pride of its people. But over the past few years, a delicious new culture has been simmering to the surface—food.
Yes, the City of Kings is fast becoming Zimbabwe’s food capital, where tradition meets innovation and flavor tells a story. From buzzing pop-up festivals to artisan bakeries and pioneering tech platforms, a group of bold, creative individuals are turning Bulawayo’s culinary scene into a force to be reckoned with.
Here at Kwabulawayo.shop, we’re all about spotlighting the brilliance in our city. So today, we’re proud to introduce the Big 5 Food Movers & Shakers—the people who are changing the way Bulawayo eats, celebrates, and connects.
5. Xolani Dube – Slice Pizzeria 🍕
Back in 2013, when the Dube family returned from the diaspora, they brought with them more than just memories—they brought pizza mastery. At Slice Pizzeria, Xolani Dube introduced Bulawayo to wood-fired, traditional-style pizzas with rich international flavors and uncompromising quality.
From a modest corner shop on 12th Avenue, Slice has expanded into a local institution, with their Joshua Nkomo outlet now serving thousands. Their crusts are crisp, their ingredients fresh, and the vibe? Always warm.
Why Xolani? Because he’s given Bulawayo a taste of world-class pizza, made with local heart—and service that always leaves you smiling.
4. Shane Manjelo – Bulawayo Eats 🚴🏽♂️
Entrepreneur. Artist. Innovator. Shane Manjelo (aka Sugar Shane) is the brain behind Bulawayo Eats—the city’s first locally owned food delivery platform. What began as a simple solution for ordering takeout has grown into a digital bridge connecting local food vendors with customers across Bulawayo and the diaspora.
With real-time tracking, seamless payments, and city-wide reach, Shane is changing how Bulawayo does food. He’s also the owner of Wings Takeaway, one of the platform’s most popular outlets.
Why Shane? Because he’s making food mobile, accessible, and profitable for local businesses—and leading the charge in tech-powered food innovation.
3. Prince Sivalo Mahlangu – Magriza Made Me Cook 🎥
There’s more than flavor behind African food—there’s heritage. And no one tells that story quite like Prince Sivalo Mahlangu. Through his heartfelt show Magriza Made Me Cook, Prince explores traditional dishes, revealing their origins, cultural meaning, and preparation techniques.
Inspired by his late grandmother, “Magriza,” Prince’s work is a beautiful mix of storytelling, education, and celebration. He’s a filmmaker, chef, and cultural advocate—all in one.
Why Prince? Because he’s preserving indigenous food knowledge while making it exciting for a new generation. His show is proof that food isn’t just eaten—it’s experienced.
2. Kathy Mwanza – Cake Fairy & Fairy Café 🎂
From flour to fortune, Kathy Mwanza is the queen of cake—and so much more. As the founder of Cake Fairy and Fairy Café, she’s turned a love for baking into a culinary empire with branches across the country. But what makes Kathy stand out is not just her stunning cakes, but her sharp business sense and passion for empowerment.
With degrees from NUST and the courage to leave a corporate job, Kathy has built a brand that inspires. She mentors entrepreneurs, supports women in business, and constantly raises the bar for aesthetics and service in Bulawayo’s restaurant scene.
Why Kathy? Because she’s baked entrepreneurship, elegance, and excellence into every layer—and we can’t get enough of her cakes.
1. Mandipa Masuku – Munch & Sip 🍷
At the very top of Bulawayo’s food revolution is Mandipa Masuku, founder of Munch & Sip. What started in 2018 with just 14 vendors is now Bulawayo’s premier lifestyle and food festival, drawing over 5,000 attendees and headline sponsors like Visa and Coca-Cola.
Through her brand Lemongroove, Mandipa has launched events like The Good Wine Experience and ShAashula, blending local ingredients with global techniques—all while centering community, creativity, and culture.
Why Mandipa? Because she’s made Bulawayo a destination for foodies and dreamers alike. Her events don’t just feed you—they elevate the entire ecosystem.
Let’s Keep Cooking, Bulawayo 🔥
These five pioneers are doing more than feeding a city—they’re building a movement, one plate, one app, one event at a time. Bulawayo is no longer just a place of royal legacy—it’s a place of culinary power.
At Kwabulawayo.shop, we’re proud to celebrate them—and we’re inviting you to join the table. Whether you’re a local foodie, an aspiring chef, or a curious visitor, this city is full of flavor, hustle, and heart.