Posted by Swellengram
A freshly home-made ginger beer that is available for locals and tourists every day. This is not just ginger beer, but apparently it is the “guest of honour” at many African celebrations. It is prominent in the Tswana culture, of which Batswana makes up about 5 million of 63 million estimated people in South Africa – according to the 2023 Census. This non-alcoholic beverage is affectionately known as “gemere”, and it is also what connected Chief Molema and his wife, Mpho Molema – the pair who will be running the new eco-tourism hub and restaurant in Swellendam town, AFRIKAN PROMINENCE.
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The energy, vision, and expertise promise something different. The duo is quick to say, do not expect things as you know them already. “Diversity does not mean sameness, but rather unity in embracing our differences”, says Chief Kagisho. Food for thought. Mpho Molema continues to say: “Eco-tourism simply means the well-being of people and places. And this is what Afrikan Prominence is all about. It is inviting nature into our inner living spaces, it is cleaning the environment and using what is readily available to bring about beauty to our eyes, it is preserving cultures in various ways so that people feel seen and loved and can form part of the mainstream socio-economics”
Although both Mpho and Chief Kagisho grew up in the small town of Kuruman, incredibly their paths never crossed until adulthood, where fate in the form of ginger beer, which Mpho sold, played its part.
It was a chance encounter wrapped in nostalgia—though, perhaps, fate had a hand in it all along. Kagisho, weary from travel and eager to get home, had little patience for detours. But his travelling companion insisted on stopping at a well-known restaurant along the way, persuading him just enough to make a reluctant visit. A quick purchase – home-made ginger beer to go – seemed inconsequential at the time.
Yet, as the journey continued and Kagisho took his first sip, something shifted. The taste was more than refreshing—it awakened childhood memories, stirring something deep within him. He couldn’t shake the feeling, couldn’t ignore the quiet pull of that moment. Determined to revisit the place where this unexpected spark had ignited, he returned to Mpho’s restaurant. From that decision, a friendship blossomed, growing into a partnership built on mutual respect, shared dreams, and undeniable connection. And now, they stand together—not only as partners in life and business, but as devoted husband and wife and parents to three beautiful children, their story continuing to unfold in ways neither of them could have predicted.
Mpho brings invaluable tourism knowledge and a keen sense of opportunity, having worked for South African Tourism in her early prime years. She has also been an award-winning Entrepreneur in the tourism and hospitality industry for the last 9 years. By the time of the ginger beer encounter , Mpho had already distinguished herself academically, earning degrees in tourism and business from Monash University. Yet, the corporate world, with its rigid expectations, felt misaligned with the vision she had for her life. Choosing a different path, she stepped away from the city that she had enjoyed very much, and returned home to Kuruman to live with her father. And in her father’s land, she built a thriving restaurant and conference centre: “The Workshop” with eco-tourism and creative workshops at its heart —an inviting space with that reflected her passion for hospitality and community.
Kagisho, a published author and philosopher, offers deep insight and a thoughtful approach to shaping ideas. The Chief is indeed a real chief in the Batlhaping clan from Kuruman in the Northern Cape province. He has been actively playing this role in his community, and has recently requested to be excused from his royal duties in order to explore the world and pursue self-mastery. He has a regent in place, who continues to take care of the community in his absence. Though quiet in nature, he has a way of making every interaction feel meaningful—listening intently, valuing each word spoken. His ability to connect runs deep, evident in his ongoing series, Humans of Swellendam, (links below) which Swellengram has been honoured to publish. He effortlessly encourages people to open up, sharing their stories and vulnerabilities in a way that feels both intimate and universal.
Despite his evident academic talent, Kagisho never felt entirely at home within the structured confines of conventional education. He craved a world where ideas could stretch beyond the boundaries of the status quo, where curiosity wasn’t restricted to predetermined subjects. Writing, exploring concepts, and embracing the vast possibilities of life—these were the pursuits that truly ignited his passion, shaping the path he chose instead of one dictated by convention.
Kagisho, ever drawn to the human condition, found meaning in the stories and emotions that unfolded in everyday encounters. Mpho, with her deep appreciation for places and their character, sought to immerse herself in landscapes and the essence of physical spaces, enriching her understanding of tourism in a way that went beyond theory. So, Kagisho challenged Mpho to go on a backpacking trip from the Atlantic coast to the Indian coast, leaving behind their cars and using public transport in South Africa. Overall they travelled over 5000 km hitch-hiking and using taxis and buses – just for fun and for doing a casual social experiment. Little did they know that this challenge alone would prepare them for all the tough experiences in their life together. On the backpacking trip they embarked on a journey of discovery, navigating their way through towns, villages and cities embracing the unpredictability of the road. Unbeknownst to them, this path was quietly guiding them toward the place that would soon feel like home.
Swellendam was a name they had never heard before – it was not on their list of places to visit even. Their arrival came by way of an unexpected kindness—stranded in Cape Agulhas without transportation, they accepted a lift from a coffee machine man in his van. A proud Swellendammer, he insisted they take the time to walk through and enjoy the town before heading to the N2 for the next leg of their journey. And so, with no expectations, they wandered through Swellengrebel Street, taking in the magnificent mountain views and the striking architecture, the weight of history etched into its very foundations. What was meant to be the final stretch of their journey home turned into something else.
They are so grateful to this kind man, who they feel simply obeyed a call of action from God. They came for a few visits before they would permanently move here, and have met many kind and loving people from this town, who have made them feel welcome and that they can belong here. Years later—they would return. Swellendam had spoken to them, and they were ready to listen.
Fate intervened once again. An opportunity they could not resist presented itself—a restaurant space, situated within the Drostdy Museum complex, on Swellengrebel Street, in the very heart of the town that had first captured them. It was more than a chance—it was destiny, offering them the perfect place to begin this next chapter.
They saw a call out, and tentatively put their concept and proposal forward to the Board of the Drostdy Museum. Their vision, bold and deeply resonant, found its place within the evolving mission of The Drostdy Museum—one that embraces inclusivity, progress, and cultural cohesion.
They had everything planned out, but as life would have it, some of their plans to make this venture work fell through. This did not discourage them, but if anything, it gave them more fuel to work hard and encourage others that no matter how impossible it seems, it can be done.
Mpho and Kagisho together are driven, passionate, and ready to make an impact. Call it fate, coincidence, or divine intervention—whatever led them here. Their journey has brought them to this community, and the influence they’ll have is bound to be felt in exciting and meaningful ways. They want to contribute positively to the already beautiful town of Swellendam.
On Sunday, April 27th (Freedom Day), the Afrikan Prominence Hub will officially launch in the Zanddrift heritage building, a beautifully reconstructed farmstead within the The Drostdy Museum Complex.
This initiative is more than just a space—it is a celebration of African excellence, shaped by the incredible talents and experiences the team has. Here, tradition and innovation will meet in a vibrant fusion of African cuisine, fashion, crafts, creative workshops, eco-tours, and hospitality training, all contributing to a hub designed to uplift and inspire.
Even before the official launch, their dedication has been evident—they have already hosted a Creative Writing workshop and Waitron training, laying the foundation for what promises to be an exciting journey.
I am thrilled to be attending the launch this coming Sunday and can’t wait to share a full account of the event, along with insights into their vision for the future. They invite Swellendammers to bring them indoor or outdoor plants, or paintings, or African artefacts that will add on to shaping the new story of Afro-futurism.
This is a story worth telling, and I look forward to witnessing it unfold.
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