GET INVOLVED UBUNTU - So Much More Than Coffee You’ll have to look hard to find someone as passionate and dynamic as Lungile Manyathi. The bubbly business development manager has been with HACT (Hillcrest AIDS Centre
Trust) for four years. “As a NPO, looking at ways to become more sustainable is always on the cards,” she smiles. The Ubuntu Ground Cafe is a social enterprise to generate income, but also a space to learn a skill. “Ubuntu is humanity in the sense that
‘my actions have an impact on others’,” explains Lungi. “Be part of this wonderful ripple effect, because when you walk in here you are immediately supporting others – every sip and bite is making a difference in someone’s life.” With delicious cakes along with skilled baristas trained by Lineage’s Craig Charity, you can’t go wrong. A small playground and baby change room caters for moms looking to catch up while tots play. The Woza Moya centre also has a plant nursery, a shop perfect for Christmas shopping and a second-hand book store. Although the Ubuntu trainee programme has run out of
An Amazing Taste EXPERIENCE
funding, business still continues with core staff in place. Upskilling further is however a big wish, so if you can help in any way, please contact Lungi on hactbiz@hillaids.org.za. You could be helping youngsters such as Khanyo Shange (pictured) – one of the trainees who after 12 months has just graduated from the Barista and Hospitality Internship programme. She says, “Sitting at home for a year with no hope of finding work almost broke my spirit. Joining the Ubuntu team has given me hope and confidence.” FOR MORE INFO: 26 Old Main Road, Hillcrest, www.hillaids.org.za; W @UbuntuGroundCafe
and plan each shot meticulously. We love telling raw stories through our filming, but adding our flavour of artistic creativity,” says Eugene. Jess bakes banana bread, brownies and a low carb cheese cake for Velvet’s customers, and the couple is looking to add San Francisco style street food in due time, but want to remain focused on serving great coffee. “We’re obsessively critical on our shots of liquid gold. Zero critical of anyone who walks in. Even more interested in the lifechanging moments that happen with a coffee in your hand,” says Eugene – adding that the name Velvet describes their ultimate experience of coffee, and that using high value beans, not roasting so dark, and supporting fair trade is key. Pop in for an amazing taste experience!
At Velvet Coffee Co, a brand new, welcoming little space created by Jess and Eugene Coetzer, you’ll find excellent coffee – along with great conversation and Wi-Fi. The pair met in a Potchefstroom coffee shop just over three years ago, and that’s where their journey started. “Literally love at first site. We are both obsessively crazy about coffee, so coffee definitely played a role,” smiles Eugene. Eugene was born in Pretoria, while Jess grew up in Colorado, America. A singer songwriter for Monark, Eugene is also a contract researcher for UKZN – with a PhD in Ancient Literature. Together the couple own Reel Emotiv, a motion picture and stills company. “Emotion is everything. The way we shoot and edit shows just that. We obsess over cinematography
FOR MORE INFO: 079 241 2153; Shop 10, Maytime Centre, Charles Way, Kloof
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