The winds of life have not been kind to businessman and nightclub owner Kgolo “Da Guru” Mthembu. He lost his Viewz nightclub, separating from his wife, the Real Housewives of Durban star Annie Ludick. Mthembu sold his valuable items and moved back home to Soweto. However, the comeback kid is back in business and running two nightclubs in Durban.
He confirmed to Sunday World that he is not back together with his ex-wife, but they are cordial.
“I am still a bachelor,” he said.
“Annie and I are not back together. We are on good terms, and putting the kids first by good co-parenting well. Our relationship has seen a lot of hard times. We’ve lost a son, and there is a lot of healing that needs to be done,” he said.
Finding himself again
He is back in Durban and living alone in his old house, which he managed to save when the going got tough.
When he lost almost everything, he knew he had to centre himself.
“I lost almost everything because I became too comfortable. I neglected my spirituality. And I worked hard and prayed less,” he said.
“I was worried about staying on top of the game and not maintaining my relationship with God. I lost myself in a way, because I was just rushing to make that money,” he said.
Leading up to the final straw, he encountered a series of unfortunate events. His nightclub burned down about three times, and insurance did not pay. His debts kept accumulating. And he had to sell all valuables to pay off bills. Luckily, he still owned his mansion.
He told Sunday World that when things became really bad, he decided to pack his belongings, sell clothes and furniture on Facebook marketplace, and move back home to Soweto.
His neighbours and family were welcoming.
“I’m a kasi guy. Never once was I made to feel like a failure. Even my family is made up of praying warriors. They prayed for me.”
Second shot at it
While finding his feet in Joburg, he partnered with eMakhosini Boutique Hotel and opened Luma Poolside Café in Sunninghill. He has since had to temporarily shut down due to noise levels affecting the hotel patrons.
“When I opened Luma, I received so much support from people who knew my stories. They knew a brother had fallen on hard times. Every day, the restaurant would be packed. And business was doing incredibly well. We had to close it down temporarily.”
Kgolo said he has seen dark days.
“There was a time, my son passed on. I lost family members in a car accident. After Covid-19, my cashflow was tricky. I was behind with a lot of payments. Even when I had a million rands, I didn’t have peace because I was owing. A lot happened, but I chose not to talk about it and just pray.”
He is currently working on his financial recovery.
Recovery projects
Mthembu has partnered with close friends to open YUGO in Greyville, Berea, and Rich Champagne & Cigar Lounge at Umgeni Business Park in Durban.
“It’s by God’s grace, it’s business, and just life on its own. There was a point when I didn’t see the worth of living. But I am more grounded now. And I know my story inspires someone out there,” he said.
“My business partners believe in me and know my passion for the nightclub business. We came together, and right now I am picking up the pieces and getting my life together.”
He quit drinking alcohol and stopped any bad habits.
“During the trials, I lost a lot of people. Friends betrayed me, and I was left with a small circle whom I still value today. I had to be sober to make all those decisions.”
