Mapaballo Borotho

Stasie Kombuis, the beloved food and lifestyle spot located in the heart of Pretoria North, has found itself in the spotlight for reasons its founder never anticipated.
Known for its warm township feel and South African traditional food, the venue has recently been swept up in a social media storm following the untimely passing of actor Presley Chweneyagae.
The drama unfolded after fellow actor Warren Masemola, while paying tribute at Presley’s memorial, made a heartfelt plea against alcohol abuse.
During his speech, he mentioned Stasie Kombuis – a place Presley was known to allegedly frequent – sparking criticism online. Some social media users suggested the restaurant played a role in Presley’s alleged drinking habits.
You guys heard the wife. She always had to send a search party to look for Presley. Warren was part of the search party ko Stasie Kombuis. #RIPPresleyChweneyagae pic.twitter.com/QFHKOUPWmy
— Rethabile ❤ (@TheRichRakgadi) June 7, 2025
Stasie kombuis has always been the problem moss😭 https://t.co/97ZLmlm2rc
— Tshoanelo M.🎀 (@tshoaniiey_m) June 8, 2025
But for Thato Jele, the owner of Stasie Kombuis and a qualified food technologist, the establishment is far more than just a hangout spot – it’s a labour of love.
Speaking to Kaya 959 on Wednesday, a very calm yet emotional Jele finally broke her silence:
“Presley was a beautiful human being. He loved my place. He personally told me that I was on the right track and that I was running a beautiful place. He was a good man.”
With passion in her voice, Jele made it clear, “We are very big on family. We do not embarrass our clients. None of the videos that are trending online were taken at my place.”
Stasie Kombuis was founded in 2017 with a simple but heartfelt mission: to serve good food, good music, and quality entertainment.
Originally offering pizza and ice cream, Jele changed her menu after realising that her community longed for a more traditional feel – South African cuisine.
She emphasised that her joint has come a long way, overcoming certain challenges, including Covid-19 and competitors within the industry.
“All we’ve ever done is provide authentic black African food to South Africans. My place is all about good times, good music, and good people.”
Despite the recent backlash, Jele carries no bitterness towards Masemola. She sees the incident as part of a greater plan.
“I’m actually not angry at Warren. I thank him. Maybe this is the path God wanted me to walk.
“My place is not a shebeen or a drinking spot. It’s home to me and to my clients. That’s why people keep coming back. I want South Africans to come and experience it for themselves, the warmth, the love, the food, and the music. After all, where there’s good food, there’s always good music.”
Presley Chweneyagae was laid to rest last week in Pretoria North after he passed away from natural causes.
READ NEXT: ‘Umntu wabantu’ – Sivenathi Mabuya reflects on time with Presley Chweneyagae


