Some places become special to us because of their atmosphere, their food, or their ambiance. But Marcos, nestled in Cape Town's City Center, has etched itself into my heart for an entirely different reason—its people. Specifically, two remarkable women, Nonduduzo (or Nondu, as she's affectionately called) and Lusanda.
This blog is my love letter to them, a celebration of their spirits, and an appeal to Marcos to recognize the gems they truly are.
Let me take you back to April 2024. I stumbled upon Marcos by pure chance, or so I thought. I was there with my spiritual friend, completely unaware that this establishment would become one of my favorite spots. It was on that first visit that I met Nonduduzo. From the moment she served us, I could feel the intentionality in everything she did.
Her service wasn’t just a job; it was a manifestation of her soul’s beauty. She made every interaction meaningful, and her radiant spirit turned what could have been just another restaurant into a place I now hold dear.
Nondu is a mother of two—a 16-year-old and a 2-year-old. Balancing motherhood and work isn’t easy, but she carries it all with grace and humility. Her smile lights up the room, and her energy makes you feel like you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. I’ll admit, I hadn’t seen her in many months. Life has a way of pulling us in different directions, and though I often thought of her and the warmth of Marcos, I wasn’t sure if our paths would cross again.
Then, the universe did its thing.
When my friend Richard invited me to dinner recently and shared the location, I was surprised and thrilled to learn it was Marcos. I silently sent a quick prayer to God and my ancestors, asking them to ensure that Nondu would be there. I walked in, heart pounding with anticipation, and guess who was standing by the door to welcome me? None other than Nonduduzo herself.
It felt like the stars had aligned just for that moment. She was shocked when I greeted her by her full name, still trying to figure out how I remembered. But when I reminded her of our previous interactions, her face lit up, and she exclaimed, “OOOH yeeees! OMG, where have you been?” From that moment, it was as if no time had passed. Seeing her made me feel instantly at home.
But the universe wasn’t done yet.
As I prepared to leave Marcos that evening, feeling full in more ways than one, I saw another familiar face: Lusanda. If Nondu made me feel welcomed, Lusanda has always been the one to send me off with hope. I first met her during one of my earlier visits when Nondu wasn’t available to serve us. Looking at Lusanda, I couldn’t help but blurt out that she looked like the artist Lusanda Mcinga.
To my astonishment, she replied, “Well, my name is Lusanda, and that Lusanda you speak of is actually my family.” She even pulled out her phone to show me and my spiritual friend family photos, which deepened the connection between us. From that moment, she became another reason why Marcos felt like a second home.
Marcos itself is no ordinary establishment. It’s a place that embodies tradition, serving food that tastes like it was prepared in your grandmother’s kitchen, with music that speaks directly to your soul. It’s a space where heritage is celebrated and preserved, and where patrons can feel grounded in something deeper than just a meal.
But what makes Marcos truly magical are the people like Nondu and Lusanda, who infuse the space with life, love, and a sense of belonging.
Great service isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about intention. It’s about making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Nondu and Lusanda have mastered this art. They don’t just bring food to the table; they bring joy, care, and a personal touch that lingers long after the meal is over. They remind us that human connections are what truly nourish us. Their work is a testament to how powerful it is when someone does their job with heart.
Now, to the owner of Marcos, sir, let me speak directly to you. These women are the backbone of your establishment. They are the reason customers like me keep coming back, not just for the food or the ambiance but for the experience they create.
It’s time to recognize their contributions in a tangible way. Give them a raise, a promotion, or at the very least, an acknowledgment of their incredible work. Trust me, your establishment will only flourish further when the people who make it special feel valued.
To Nondu and Lusanda, I want to thank you from the depths of my heart. You’ve shown me what it means to bring light into someone’s life, even in the smallest interactions. I pray to God and my ancestors that you both are blessed beyond measure. May you flourish in every area of your lives, and may your kindness continue to ripple out into the world.
There are no coincidences, only faith and the alignment of stars. My visit to Marcos wasn’t just a dinner with friends—it was a reunion with two souls who remind me of the beauty in human connection.
I’ll be back, and when I return, I’ll be looking for the same warmth, the same grace, and the same queens who make Marcos the treasure it is. Thank you, Nondu and Lusanda, for being who you are. The world is a better place because of you.
To anyone reading this, do yourself a favor: visit Marcos. Experience the food, the music, the atmosphere, and most importantly, the incredible women who make it all come together.
You’ll leave with more than just a satisfied appetite; you’ll leave with a fuller heart. And isn’t that what great places are all about?
Enkosi Queens.
