Businessman celebrates three years of successfully running 13Sixty Lifestyle

South Africa has long been a hub of entertainment and show business on the continent, and Rodney Mabunda (37), a businessman from Mpumalanga, is at the forefront of this dynamic industry. As the co-owner of 13Sixty Lifestyle in Acornhoek, Mabunda is celebrating three years of successfully running the vibrant venue, which has become a beloved hotspot for locals and visitors alike.

Entrepreneurship runs in Mabunda’s blood. Growing up in a modest household where his parents never held permanent jobs but still managed to provide for the family, Mabunda learned the value of hard work and resilience early on. Despite these challenges, he remained dedicated to his education, eventually earning a BTech in Tourism Management and a postgraduate diploma in Public Administration. Today, in addition to his business ventures, he serves as an Integrated Development Plan (IDP) officer in the local municipality, blending his passion for community development with his expertise in tourism.

The journey to creating 13Sixty Lifestyle was inspired by successful establishments like Kwa Max Lifestyle in Durban and Makubenjalo in Johannesburg. Mabunda wanted to replicate this success in Acornhoek, bringing a unique blend of entertainment, food, and culture to the township while also creating job opportunities for the local community.

“I am passionate about the township economy and growth. I wanted to create something that could benefit our community and provide employment.”

Mabunda explains

In 2021, Mabunda, along with his brother Marvin and sister Fiona, began their entrepreneurial journey by renting a small pub where they hosted local artists. This initial experience gave them valuable insights into running an entertainment venue and fueled their ambition to create something bigger. However, when the pub owner raised the rent, the siblings decided it was time to move on. Fortunately, their father owned a stand on the Acornhoek main road, which had a small car wash and food outlet.

“I have also been selling ice from the same place since 2016. We then decided to build the business there.”

Mabunda recalls

With limited savings and a strong determination to succeed, the Mabunda siblings set out to build 13Sixty Lifestyle from scratch. Rodney even sold his Golf 7 GTI to help finance the project.

“When we started, we used the savings from the tavern we rented first. We’ve traveled around the country, and in every township, there is a good shisanyama and pub, which was lacking in our town of Acornhoek.”

he says

Marvin, with his passion for food, took charge of the shisanyama and restaurant, while Fiona managed the day-to-day operations of the establishment. In addition to 13Sixty Lifestyle, they also operate the Orpengate Sleepover Motel.

Three years on, 13Sixty Lifestyle has established itself as a premier venue in Acornhoek, known for hosting artists from across South Africa and serving delicious shisanyama and traditional food.

“We are known for bringing all the best stars in the country to our venue. Our patrons always feel safe and protected at all times. We are a tourist attraction and a place visitors love to frequent.”

Mabunda proudly states

As a husband and father of three, Mabunda finds immense joy in seeing the positive impact his business has had on the community.

“Seeing the faces of our employees come month-end pleases us so much as we see the difference we’ve made. Bringing something different to our town and seeing locals and people from far appreciate the place is a fulfilling feeling. The business is still in its toddler stage, but we are seeing positive strides toward our vision.”

he says

Running 13Sixty Lifestyle is not without its challenges. Mabunda acknowledges the competitive nature of the business and the hurdles they face.

“Not everyone is happy with what we are doing, and many negative things are spread about our business, but we always keep our heads up. The funding issue remains a big challenge as there are many things that we want to do to take our business to the next level.”

he says

Despite these obstacles, 13Sixty Lifestyle continues to thrive, hosting major events like the Savanna Comedy Night in December 2023 and the Bernini-inspired event on 31 August and 01 September. Mabunda is optimistic about the future and remains committed to growing his business and contributing to the local economy.

To stay updated on 13Sixty Lifestyle’s events and offerings, you can follow them on Instagram: 13Sixty Lifestyle.

As Mabunda reflects on three years of success, his story is a testament to the power of determination, community spirit, and the entrepreneurial drive that fuels South Africa‘s vibrant entertainment industry.