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Saturday Leisure Reporter
BRAAING with friends and family has become the in thing during weekends for most people. Many families on Saturdays or Sundays spend time at different braai spots outside the city.
Many would obviously love to drive to the outskirts of the city for some fresh air as they enjoy shisa nyama or amawoso (braai) but the limited disposable incomes do not allow.

It is for this reason that many are opting for places within the city such as the now popular Isibaya Leisure spot in Matshobana suburb which opened its doors to the public last year.

Nicknamed “Little Redwood”, Isibaya is owned and run by renowned Bulawayo businessman Wilson Ncube who also owns popular braai spot, Redwood which is in Figtree, about 35km from Bulawayo.

Ncube has brought the Redwood feel to Bulawayo with lush lawns and an open braai area.
Saturday Leisure visited the spot this week and found a hive of activity, with people braaing and having a good time.

There were cars parked in and outside the gate with people seen mixing and mingling as they enjoyed their favourites drinks and sumptuous meals of mainly isitshwala and braai meat.

Isibaya supervisor Buhle Mbano said the busiest days were Saturdays and Sundays. He said most revellers prefer the open space.
“We have a lot of entertainment for our customers. People can come and enjoy a wide selection of music. When it comes to food, our patrons have a very wide choice which includes traditional meals,”

“Isibaya, translated into English means kraal so we are saying we have brought everything one needs for the weekend entertainment into this kraal,” he said.

Mbano said there was an executive or VIP section under construction meant to cater for the mature who want to listen to yester-year music as they enjoy their drinks or food.

“In this section we are particular about dress code and the demeanour of our customers. This is because we don’t want any rowdy characters in this section,” she said.

Isibaya is a place where both the young and old come to have a good time. The atmosphere is conducive for both leisure and business meetings.

Mbano said football fanatics are also not left out as there is a giant screen where                                                                                                                 they can watch games while eating or drinking.

“There is also a projector where sports fans can enjoy watching sports on the big screen.
“With the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil pencilled for June, we look forward to screening all the matches,” she said.

Those who are pool or snooker enthusiasts have been provided with two pool tables where they can showcase their skills.