Help Mzansi Restaurant and Langa

Hey guys,

About a year ago, I reached out for help on behalf of my friend Mbasa Siyaka in South Africa. He and his family operate a restaurant in their township that is frequented almost exclusively by international tourists. As such, when COVID hit, their business revenue came to a complete standstill. Luckily, the community rallied to help and we were able to raise funds that were crucial to Mzansi's survival early last summer.

However—like most of us—I severely underestimated how long we would be affected by COVID-19. As such, I only set-up the initial fundraiser to last a few months. While that money was indispensable for the Siyaka's, their employees and the countless Langans that were fed with it, it has been over a year now. That money has almost completely dried up, and the tourists have still not returned.

That's why I've come back once more—not only for Mzansi Restaurant and the Siyaka's but also the community at large. As we here in the States are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, the pandemic is still raging on in the Global South—and the economic fallout may be just as devastating as the virus itself.

The goal for the Siyaka's is about $5000 USD. This is approximately what it would take to pay for the Siyaka's food, medical expenses, business bills and employee payroll through the end of the year and into South Africa's peak season for tourists. Anything beyond this figure will be used to open a soup kitchen in the Siyaka's restaurant, helping to feed many neighbors who have scant opportunity to work in these trying times. And by purchasing ingredients locally, we are hoping to provide a small economic boost by getting dollars flowing through the Langan economy.

I know these are still tough times for many of us financially, but there is truly nothing too insignificant to help. Besides making a contribution here, you may also contribute via Venmo (@Ethan-McCarthy-1) or Cash App ($ethanmcc4) and I will deposit that money here on your behalf, or if you are not in a position to contribute, simply sharing this fundraiser is indispensable for this cause.

Thank you so much for your time. Let's make a difference for Langa.


For more information on Mzansi Restaurant's struggles since the pandemic, check out this article published by CNN.