WHAT began as a love for groove and partying, has now evolved into offering residents of Soweto a top tier kasi lifestyle experience.
Two childhood friends, Goodman Buthelezi and Zakhele Zwane have taken entertainment to a whole new level.
The friends have launched a new club in Dobsonville called Extension Lifestyle.
Not only is the establishment a club but it also has a beauty spa and a kitchen serving meals.
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With just nearly two weeks of operating, the two have managed to create jobs for 10 kasi youngsters while also providing residents of Soweto an upgrade to entertainment.
Goodman said:
The pair said their journey together began years ago when they often met 'on the streets or at parties as they both born and raised in Meadowlands.
The friendship would later see them venture out into becoming local promoters, where they would often host parties for people.
But as the years went by that venture became a losing game, resulting in the two ditching the promoting industry and becoming owners of the new club.
“We were tired of running around club owners and event organisers. At some point we could see that we were being exploited. At times there would be conflict when it was time for us to get paid. From there we got an idea that we should own our own place because it was about time,” Goodman told Daily Sun.
He said the road to starting up their club was not easy because no one wanted to invest in them.
But though resilience and hard work Goodman said they were able to secure funding from a private business owner who believed in their movement.
Looking at the reasons behind their drive to open the club, Goodaman said they wanted to be able to have a sustainable income to provide for their children while also being role models in the community and creating jobs to alleviate poverty.
"This is a family business. We believe that no one should go to sleep in hunger. More than anything we wanted to give people in the hood this thing that it's possible and that they should not steal cars.
"We have kids looking up to us now and it's nice because they see that they can make it," Goodman said.
While many would wonder if such a establishment would survive with competition from local taverns, Goodman said they are not fearful because they sell a 'lifestyle' that many in Soweto crave.
Zakhele also agrees with Goodman and said their pricing on food and alcohol has made it easier for customers to choose them because they are affordable.
