Born in Engcobo, Eastern Cape, and raised by her aunt before moving to Cape Town as a teenager, Liziwe Ndalana has lived a life marked by courage, curiosity, and resilience. At just 43, she is not only the founder of Mazikhali Laundrette in Nyanga East but also a woman who rewrote her destiny.

“I ran away from ukuthwalwa (an arranged marriage) before I was taken. I had witnessed my friends being taken and having their dreams cut short. I vowed it would never happen to me because I wanted to be educated and choose when and with whom to have children.”

That choice set her on a path that led to graduating in Public Relations Management from Cape Peninsula University of Technology, a career in journalism, and, eventually, entrepreneurship.

A Curious Child With Big Questions

Even as a girl, Liziwe’s curiosity was unshakable. She devoured books, loved speaking in front of her classmates, and often challenged her mother with endless questions about family history and culture. Her inquisitive nature earned her the nickname Nokhontoni — “one who always asks what would happen.”

That same curiosity would later push her to question conventions, innovate, and, ultimately, start her own business.

The Birth of Mazikhali Laundrette

In 2018, after years of working with words, Liziwe turned her attention to service. She saw a need in her community: bachelors and busy single mothers who simply didn’t have the time for laundry.

Her answer was Mazikhali Laundrette, a one-stop laundry service offering wash, fold, and iron, as well as dry cleaning, stain removal, and even dyeing services to give garments a new life.

What sets her apart is not just the machines or detergents but the customer care. Repeat clients and referrals speak to the trust she’s built.

A Legacy Through Service

For Liziwe, business is about more than income. “I am driven to create a legacy that will endure long after I’m gone.”

Yet, her journey hasn’t been without struggle. Quitting her career to focus on entrepreneurship strained her relationship with her mother, who struggled to understand her decision. Over time, however, her dedication softened those doubts. Today, her family can see the meaning she’s building through her work.

Staying Connected With Her Customers

Unlike many small businesses, Mazikhali Laundrette thrives on direct feedback. Liziwe regularly checks in with her clients through WhatsApp surveys, asking what works, what doesn’t, and how she can improve.

It’s a system rooted in trust and dialogue, ensuring that her customers always feel valued.

Lessons in Integrity and Growth

Navigating a business largely serving male customers, Liziwe has had to establish firm boundaries. “Most of my customers are men, and they often try to flirt with me. But I am very strict about not mixing business with pleasure. This dedication to integrity is one of the core values that has contributed to the longevity of my business.”

Her biggest lesson? That being a dreamer isn’t weakness. Having faith in herself, even when others doubted her, allowed her to build something lasting.

And when it came time for change, she embraced it. She rebranded from Express Laundry to Mazikhali Laundrette, a decision deeply tied to her personal journey of self-discovery and spirituality.

Looking Ahead

Liziwe’s vision is to design systems that allow Mazikhali to run independently of her daily involvement — creating opportunities for others while ensuring sustainability.

Her motivation comes from the trust her customers place in her brand, a daily reminder that she is solving real problems in her community.

Beyond Laundry

For Liziwe, Mazikhali Laundrette isn’t just about clothes. It’s about time, dignity, and legacy. By taking the burden of laundry off her customers’ shoulders, she allows them to focus on their families, careers, and lives.

And for her, each wash and fold is another step toward the bigger mark she intends to leave behind.

Contact Mazikhali Laundrette

• 📍 Address: 2114, Sine Avenue, Nyanga East
• ⏰ Hours: Open daily, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
• 📱 WhatsApp: 071 926 6159

Mazikhali Laundrette — where laundry becomes legacy.