Tucked away in the vibrant streets of GaMatlapa Mashashane, near Tladi’s butchery, lies Kota Kat, a culinary gem born from the passion of its founder, Katlego “Kat” Lebese (32). This Mashashane native’s love affair with food is evident in every aspect of Kota Kat, from the divine fast food to the exceptional customer service.
Katlego’s journey with food began at a young age, sparked by his fascination with spices and experimenting with new recipes. Although his dream of becoming a chef didn’t materialize, it paved the way for his entrepreneurial spirit to flourish. With a family background in business, Katlego found his niche in opening Kota Kat, a venture that combines his passion for food with his business acumen.
Kota Kat’s menu boasts an array of mouth-watering options, including potato chips, magwinya, and kotas, carefully crafted to satisfy both take-away and sit-in customers. Katlego’s inspiration stems from his childhood love for bunny chows, which drove him to create a space where his community could indulge in delicious kotas without having to travel far.
Starting Kota Kat with an initial investment of less than R2,000, Katlego’s perseverance and faith in his vision propelled the business forward. As the business grew, so did Katlego’s menu, with new ingredients and flavors being introduced. However, he notes that launching a business in one’s hometown can be challenging, with personal relationships often leading to expectations of favors or leniency.
“I learned to be strict and stingy for my business to flourish,” Katlego said. Despite these challenges, his aspirations for Kota Kat’s future remain ambitious. He aims to secure a larger, permanent location, providing stability and growth opportunities for the business while allowing him to fully express his creativity and dedication to his craft.
“Rented spaces for business don’t work for me, as one cannot predict the future,” Katlego explained. With the support of his family and close friends, Kota Kat has been operating for over …. years, and the proud owner shows no signs of giving up.
One of Kota Kat’s regular and trusted customers, Aubrey Kgole praises the establishment, saying, “We can’t wait to see what Kota Kat brings next, especially on their menu.” Katlego concludes, “You can order your food digitally at Kota Kat and collect later to avoid long queues.”
Contact Kota Kat:
– Calls/WhatsApp: +27 72 794 6601
– Facebook: Katlego Kat Lebese