20/08/2026
A smartphone, a passion for food and a strong love for his community have helped Tembisa content creator Katlego “KatIsMad” Madigoe turn social media into a powerful platform for promoting local restaurants and township businesses.
Through engaging TikTok videos featuring food reviews, lifestyle content, DIY home improvement projects and cleaning tips, Madigoe has built a growing online following while shining a spotlight on businesses that often struggle to reach audiences beyond their immediate communities.
Inspired by international food creators, Madigoe saw an opportunity to bring the same excitement and storytelling to South African townships by showcasing the food and businesses available in his own backyard.
“I was inspired by watching international creators who simply loved being foodies and sharing that experience. I wanted to recreate that feeling but make it local, so people could discover the incredible food we have right here,” he said.
What began as a hobby has since developed into a platform capable of generating tangible results for small businesses.
Madigoe recalls one of the restaurants he featured in his early videos receiving such a strong response from customers that waiting times reportedly stretched to almost two hours.
“It was something I never expected. Seeing a local business become that busy because of a single review showed me the power social media has,” he said.
For Madigoe, however, the success of his content is not simply measured by views, likes or followers. His biggest motivation is helping township entrepreneurs gain the recognition he believes they deserve.
“My wish has always been to help the community grow. I want people from outside Tembisa to visit us, not because of the negative stories they hear, but because of the amazing food and businesses we have,” he said.
When deciding which restaurants to feature, Madigoe looks for originality, affordability and value for money. He is particularly interested in businesses offering meals that are commonly associated with suburban restaurants or major franchises, but at prices that remain accessible to township residents.
“I always ask myself whether someone earning a minimum wage would feel they are getting value for their money. Good food should be exciting but also affordable,” he said.
His approach has made him more than just a food reviewer. By directing his audience towards independent restaurants, Madigoe is helping create exposure that can translate into new customers and increased income for local entrepreneurs.
He also believes restaurant owners need to understand that social media promotion works best when combined with good customer service and consistency.
“Be present. Customer service sells more than people realise. If you're active on social media, customers can see your menu and your food before they even visit. You've already convinced them before they walk through your doors,” he said.
Madigoe believes social media has created an opportunity for township businesses to tell their own stories and compete for attention in an increasingly digital marketplace.
Instead of allowing communities such as Tembisa to be defined by negative headlines, he wants his platform to showcase another side of township life, one filled with creativity, entrepreneurship, good food and ambitious business owners.
Looking ahead, Madigoe plans to expand his food content beyond Tembisa and South Africa, while continuing to support independent restaurants locally and internationally.
“I'm proudly pro-Black, but more than anything I'm simply a foodie and a kasi boy who now has a platform. Why not use that exposure for the good of our people? My goal is to keep visiting and supporting small restaurants worldwide,” he said.
As township entrepreneurship continues to grow, creators such as Madigoe are demonstrating the increasingly important role that digital platforms can play in supporting small businesses.
Through authentic storytelling, community pride and a genuine passion for food, the Tembisa creator is helping local restaurants reach audiences they may never have reached through traditional advertising, proving that sometimes one social media post can bring an entire business through the door.
