Acornhoek, Mpumalanga – Johannesburg: The bustling province of Mpumalanga, a key player in South Africa’s entertainment scene, is home to one of its most successful lifestyle hubs, 13Sixty Lifestyle. This year, the establishment celebrates three years of success, community engagement, and job creation, thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of its co-owner, Rodney Mabunda (37).
Growing up in a financially challenged household where his parents never held permanent jobs, Mabunda developed a passion for education and a drive for entrepreneurship from an early age. Armed with a BTech in Tourism Management and a postgraduate diploma in Public Administration, he serves as an IDP officer in the local municipality. However, his true calling has always been in nightlife and tourism, a passion that eventually led to the creation of 13Sixty Lifestyle.
The journey began in 2021 when Mabunda, alongside his siblings Marvin and Fiona, rented a small pub where they hosted local artists. The experience taught them the ropes of the nightlife business. However, when the pub’s owner raised the rent, the siblings decided to move their operations to their father’s stand on the Acornhoek main road. The family had been running a small car wash and food outlet there since 2016, and Mabunda had been selling ice from the location.
With determination and support from family and friends, Mabunda and his siblings transformed the modest space into a thriving business. Marvin, with a passion for food, took charge of the shisanyama and restaurant, while Fiona managed day-to-day operations. Together, they also became landlords of the Orpengate Sleepover Motel, enhancing their portfolio in the hospitality industry.
13Sixty Lifestyle quickly became a popular venue, attracting artists from across the country and offering delicious shisanyama and traditional food. “We’ve always wanted to bring something unique to Acornhoek. Every township has a great shisanyama and pub, but that was missing here,” Mabunda explains. The establishment has not only become a tourist attraction but also a place where locals and visitors feel safe and entertained.
The business, still in its early stages, has already made significant strides. Mabunda takes pride in the 20 or so employees whose lives have been positively impacted by the business. “Seeing our employees happy and being able to support their families is incredibly fulfilling,” he says.
Despite facing challenges, including competition and funding issues, Mabunda remains optimistic.
“Not everyone is happy with our success, and there’s always negativity, but we keep our heads up. We’re constantly looking for ways to take 13Sixty Lifestyle to the next level,” he adds.
Among the highlights of their journey was hosting the Savanna Comedy Night in December 2023. Looking ahead, Mabunda and his team are gearing up for a Bernini-inspired event on August 31st and September 1st, which they hope will be another major success for 13Sixty Lifestyle.
As they celebrate three years of success, Mabunda and his family continue to work towards their vision, bringing growth, entertainment, and opportunity to the community of Acornhoek.
