A first lady, former personal assistant to her husband, and two-time cancer survivor — as if that were not enough, Elethu Booysen has now set her sights on the food industry.
One month in, her Lehae tshisanyama in Kwanokuthula, Plettenberg Bay, is receiving rave reviews.
Booysen, who is married to the executive mayor of the Garden Route district municipality, Memory Booysen, has been swapping desk organisers for pots and pans as she leaves the political space after serving in numerous structures of the DA over the years.
The bubbly Booysen, who turns 40 next year, says in the political sphere she was always regarded as an extension of her husband — a view she strongly contests.
“I have always been a lot more than the district mayor’s wife,” she said.
“I have my own life and my own personality.
“I have survived breast and uterine cancer, as well as a rare blood disease.”
From the age of 22, Booysen had to undergo chemotherapy and six serious operations.
“I am one of toughest people I know, in character and physically,” she said.
Speaking from her African-inspired restaurant named Lehae — “home” in Sesotho — Booysen told Weekend Post the idea was to remind customers of home.
The cosy double-storey establishment is brightly decorated with touches of African print cushions from Plett artist Noloyiso “Nada J” Jujwana.
The bathroom is also painted by a home-grown artist, William Mwale.
“It has always been a dream of mine to own my own restaurant, but I kept on postponing it because the past two terms have kept me on my toes.
“I started years ago with just a logo and I would wake up and add little elements to it before I even had the financial muscle to buy a place.
“I got the venue in 2019, which I started renovating until lockdown.
“But I remained steadfast on my dream.
Booysen said she had purchased some of the furniture from restaurants which had shut down during the pandemic.
“I would buy things and store them in my garage, and then this year I decided to take the leap of faith.”
Booysen said Lehae operated from noon until 9pm on weekdays, and closed at 10pm on weekends.
“During the week, deliveries keep us particularly busy.
“And we are working on a rotating menu so we are having daily specials.”
Asked what she had learnt about the industry in the past month, she said she never knew that patrons thought they could negotiate a price.
“It’s probably because we are in the township that people say it’s acceptable, but each time that happens I always just chuckle,” she said.
Booysen said the plan was to establish another eatery.
“But with that in mind I want to [include] other women and lift other businesses as I climb.
“The main aim is to lift locals as I climb,” she said, adding that some of the produce she served up was sourced in Plett.
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