By Everson Luhanga
- Rose Kekana runs Rose’s Kitchen at the Alexandra Heritage site opposite Nelson Mandela’s former room, serving daily meals to a steady stream of loyal customers.
- Rose wants equipment to expand and supply universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges and malls with affordable township meals.
Rose Kekana is not just cooking food.
She is cooking hope in the heart of Alexandra.
At the busy Alexandra Heritage site, right opposite the room where former President Nelson Mandela once stayed, Rose has built something special. Rose’s Kitchen has become a real chilling spot in Alex.
From early in the day, people flock to her small kitchen. The smell of fresh, home cooked food pulls them in.
Some come alone. Some come in groups. Many leave smiling.
Rose believes Alexandra has big potential.
She dreams of turning the busy street where she trades into the Vilakazi Street of Alex. A place full of life, history and business.
“As you know, Alex is overpopulated which makes every business especially good business thrive,” she said.
Her customers are mostly men who struggle to cook for themselves. Many bring their partners along. The space has become friendly for couples and single women who want to enjoy good food in a safe and lively place.
Next to the kitchen is her partner, Tumelo Masite, a well known tattoo artist. His studio adds to the vibe.
People who come for tattoos often end up buying food. Those who come to eat sometimes stay to admire the art.
Tumelo has painted the walls of the street with powerful images of former heads of state and struggle heroes. Faces like President Cyril Ramaphosa, former president Jacob Zuma, former president Thabo Mbeki and former president Kgalema Motlanthe look down on visitors.
When you visit Rose’s Kitchen, you do not only leave full. You leave with a deeper sense of the township and the country’s history.
But Rose wants more.
She says she is struggling with a lack of proper cooking equipment, tables and chairs, umbrellas and stock funding. With the right tools, she believes she can grow fast.
Her dream is to supply delicious, affordable meals to universities, colleges and Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges. She also wants to serve workers and shoppers at malls and other busy public places.
Rose has already proved that her food brings people together. Now she just needs a helping hand to take Rose’s Kitchen from a township gem to a powerhouse brand born in Alex.
Pictured above: Rose Kekana pictured above at her Rose’s Kitchen in Alexandra.
Image source: Everson Luhanga
