Purely Local CT 2021 by The Creative Group

Cape Town

JOY FROM AFRICA TO THE WORLD THE V&A WATERFRONT SPREADS LIGHT AND HOPE THIS SUMMER WITH HOLIDAY DÃ&#x2030;COR THAT CELEBRATES LOCAL TALENT A

Welcome

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Well, 2020 was certainly one for the books! While it’s been a bumpy ride since lockdown measures were announced in March, it’s also been incredible to see how communities rallied together to help the many that were adversely affected by the pandemic.

Gallery

Catch of the day

A glimpse at goings-on around the city

Greenfish has pivoted their business to deliver freshly-caught seafood to Cape Town residents

Sharing Joy from Africa to the World The V&A Waterfront is celebrating local and sustainable this summer with their holiday décor

The I Love Coffee café in Claremont is bridging the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities

Town Eats, a facebook group that’s connecting Cape Town’s food community with the

community's well-being. Pamela McOnie went from a tour guide to founder of Cape public. These are just three of the many stories of people stepping in and stepping up to make a difference.

Stuart Diamond shares how the Cape Jewish community has reacted to the Covid-19 pandemic

For the love of food

Slaying the hunger monster

Pamela McOnie has started a fantastic new food community that celebrates local food producers

Ladles of Love founder Danny Diliberto chats about the organisation’s rapid growth

Taste the Continent

Women supporting women

Take a tour around the CBD to try authentic African cuisine

Cindy Nell-Roberts’ Women4Women is creating a community of support for girls and young women

Spruce up your space

Diamond and the South African Jewish Board of Deputies also acted swiftly at the beginning of lockdown, and have been active throughout the pandemic to ensure the

We visit Atlantic Seaboard gems Arthur’s Mini Super, Martine’s boutique and the Duchess of Wisbeach

Quick and easy recipes for Asian-style mince in lettuce cups and fruity popsicles

of March thanks to what founder Danny Diliberto calls “miracles in action”. Stuart

Connecting through coffee

Celebrating Local Business A united response

Light and bright summer recipes

Ladles of Love has served a whopping 9,474,026 meals (and counting) since the 20th

Local talent We chat with musician Majozi as well as local singer Morgan Visser

Stretch those legs

Rethinking your career? We have some excellent advice on starting your own business from Catherine Wijnberg, author of Sheep will Never Rule the World. Sick of your home? We’ve got tips for redesigning your home on a budget. Desperate for a change of scenery? Why not go on a ghost tour in Simon’s Town, explore a kelp forest, or be guided through Cape Town’s vibrant Pan African food scene? No doubt there’s plenty to keep us busy, so I hope that we inspire you to (safely) explore the city again. Not only is it wonderful to be out and about again, but after months of lockdown and very few international tourists, many local businesses need our support. Warm Regards

Sarah Marjoribanks

How to transform your home on a budget

Spend the day in nature with some of these top Cape Town hikes

We want to hear from you! If you’re doing something in your community,

The WOOF Project

Deep South

purelylocal@augmentcreative.com.

Looking for a furry friend? Look no further than this pop-up adoption container!

Farming for change The Siyazama Community Food Garden in Khayelitsha is changing lives

Self starter Catherine Wijnberg shares advice on how to start your own business

Things to do in Simon’s Town

Explore the City of Oaks See a different side of Stellenbosch with these great experiences

Protect our history Visit the District Six Museum and support one of the city’s most important institutions

Get your feet wet Explore the Cape’s incredible kelp forests with Pisces Divers

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Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in Purely Local Magazine. Neither Augment Creative nor Purely Local assumes any responsibility for errors or omissions. The editor reserves the right to amend and alter copy and visual material as deemed necessary. All rights reserved: No part of this publication shall be reproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted or modified in any form or by any means. This publication shall not be stored in whole or in part in any form in any retrieval system.

Lifestyle

Gallery

SCOOT ALONG Electric Life Rides has launched its first fleet of electric kick scooters from President Hote l, Cape Town in Bantry Bay. The service works through a mobile app – similarly to Uber – where users can buy credits and ride per minute/hour/day or month, depe nding on their need. The scooters now give Capetonia ns another mode of transport, a great way to get around hassle free.

UNDERWATER WORLD The Two Oceans Aquarium recently celebrated its 25th birthday! Since it was first built in 1995, it has welcomed over 6 million South African visitors and 4 million tourists. This holiday season, you can look forward to longer hours – from the 26th of December until the 10th of January, the aquarium will close at 19h00.

PICNIC PARADI

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NATURAL BEAUTY The V&A Waterfront’s Watershed has a new addition - The Beauty Box. The dedicated space features proudly African beauty products, and some of the brands include Skoon, Olive Soaps, Tintiloux, Peppertree, Kafui Naturals, Anim Naturals, Chill Cape Town, Le Naturel and Ubuntu Traditional Balms.

GOING GOLD

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Advertorial

SHARING JOY

FROM AFRICA TO THE WORLD After a year that’s been marked with global upheaval, the V&A Waterfront has collaborated with 134 local artists, makers and community programmes to spread hope and light through its festive décor.

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to celebrate the moments of joy whenever we can and luckily for us, Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront is pulling out all the stops with its festive décor. By enlisting the help of talented creators to decorate the waterfront neighbourhood together, visitors can experience the most wonderful time of the year through a distinctly African lens.

achieving this working together with our tenants,” says Tinyiko. “Christmas decorations are just one identifier of where the system is broken – we’re sourcing stuff from overseas that’s destined for the landfill! We wanted to challenge the system. Let’s break down the barriers, let’s open up the industry, let’s celebrate African creativity and be responsible – to ourselves and the planet.”

SUSTAINABILITY

CREATIVITY

“For us, it all starts with a very clear sense of our purpose,” says Tinyiko Mageza, Marketing Executive for the V&A Waterfront. “Our business purpose is to create a neighbourhood that is inclusive, inspiring and about shared values, and it’s really opened up opportunities for us to support local crafters, makers and artists. It’s also allowed us to challenge the traditional way of doing business and ask what legacy we are leaving on the world and how we are creating social impact.” “Our ambition when we announced our commitment to sustainability in 2017 was to reduce the use of single use plastic across the precinct by 40% by 2020. We are some way to

Platform Creative, the award-winning company that coordinated the Waterfront Festive Décor, works with many of the best South African designers, crafters and illustrators. “We chose people who would add their own creative flair to the tasks in hand, such as Pauline Irvine who created our Palace and Tree of Light dioramas, Phathu Nembiwli who illustrated them and Glorinah Khutso Mabaso who created patterns for them,” says Cathy O'Clery from Platform Creative. “In the Watershed we asked some of the tenant/crafters to contribute and we also reached out to community projects such as Lalela Project to get members of the public to help decorate as well.”

Advertorial “Africa has a lot to offer the world, and the world is actually looking to us for inspiration – why are we hiding it?” – Tinyiko Mageza While there might be a variation in skills, all of the makers have one thing in common – “a delight in and commitment to making the festive decorations for the V&A Waterfront memorable and special,” says Cathy. She encourages visitors to take some time to see them all. “There is so much detail in every installation that it is nearly impossible to pick a favourite – from the sweet faces of our beaded bush babies peering into the Summer Palace, to the clever foliage in the Watershed chandeliers.”

LOCAL DESIGN COLLABORATION If you’re bringing your kids with you to the Waterfront, the Summer Palace is a must-see. “It’s a joyful delight where they can see beautiful scenes, a menagerie of wonderful beaded creatures by Monkey Biz, and can sit like a King and Queen on our magnificent thrones – and don’t forget the Tree of Light, which looks like a 3D story book,” says Cathy. “There are also the giant Southern Cross stars outside the Zeitz-MOCAA that are pretty amazing – and look out for how we recycled last year’s decorations in a new way at Battery Park!” Both Cathy and Tinyiko adore the woodland and kelp forests hanging in the Watershed, made from recycled plastic bottles, flip flops, papiermâché, beads and wire. “Last year we worked with Heath Nash at Our Workshop to create two chandeliers made entirely out of plastic bottles, and this year we took it one step further with the two enchanted forests,” says Tinyiko. “We worked with a number of different crafters, and also did

a workshop with young kids to help create some of the elements. Every single chain, every single garland is made by someone different – it’s not just one crafter, it’s literally a series of crafters and local kids, which makes it incredibly special.”

EXPERIENCE Jannie de Wet of Centre Design feels that there’s not just one stand-out installation - the whole of the Waterfront is beautiful at this time of the year. For the past 20 years or so, he and his team have been putting up the festive décor for the V&A Waterfront. “The process takes about 3 to 4 weeks to install everything. It’s quite a big project, covering the entire Waterfront node and installation-wise there’s about 30 people involved in the process. There’s a lot of hands!” he says. “A lot of thought has gone into the Décor this year and a lot of pride from the people producing the decorations – I hope that the public take a little time to really look and appreciate.” Visitors to the Waterfront can scan the QR codes next to each of the installations to find out more about each piece and its creator, but if you’re not able to visit this year make sure to take a virtual tour of the shopping centre’s festive displays and watch the live streaming of activities and events.

GLORINAH MABASO

RENAISSANCE DESIGN

Pattern and product designer Glorinah Khutso Mabaso of Renaissance Design has taken up the challenge of re-awakening the Ancient tribes of the African continent. She creates designs from historical research, preserving African heritage through the creation of visual and physical archives. “This task is definitely fitting for an old soul in the present, intrigued by the past!” she says. The patterns that Glorinah created for her décor were inspired by the surroundings of the V&A Waterfront. “I carefully studied the location and then identified some of the repetitive architectural elements such as the squares, rectangles and bold geometrics, like the triangles depicted on the exterior of the beautiful Silo Hotel with some strong black lines. The circles incorporated in the patterns were inspired by the iconic Cape Wheel.” “This was a dream project for me because I absolutely love Cape Town, and the characters which are included in the palace and around the Tree of Light reminded me of my childhood,” she says. “This project allowed me to tap into my inner child and design according to the roles of the characters, whilst reflecting gentle touches of the surroundings of the V&A.”

Advertorial OUR WORKSHOP | HEATH NASH Under the guidance of South African designer Heath Nash, Our Workshop is a community-driven initiative that transforms waste materials into design pieces. The organisation was behind two décor installations this year – the first in the Watershed, where they converted 4 400 rejected PET bottles into a fairy-tale woodland and underwater kelp forest. “The PET bottles form the body of the landscapes, with work from many other designers and crafters filling in the inhabitants of the forests,” says Heath. “We’ve also repurposed last year’s décor from the Watershed into HUGE new outdoor baubles at Battery Park,” says Heath. “They are large flower balls made from hundreds of post-consumer plastic waste bottles.” “It has been extremely cool in this very difficult time to have been able to provide Our Workshop and its members with much needed income,” he says. “Along with this boon, it was so great to be able to repurpose last year’s upcycled flowers for a second time! The V&A Waterfront is an amazing organisation to have invested so much in local and sustainable forward-looking enterprises.”

THE JUSTICE DESK The Justice Desk is a non-profit organisation that empowers people to become Human Rights Defenders and Everyday Activists. Part of their response to the gender-based violence crisis in South Africa is The Mbokodo Club Project which focuses on female empowerment workshops, mental health care support and self-defense programs to girl survives of gender-based violence and rape. 16 of the Mbokodo girls – all between the ages of 10 and 19 from Nyanga – were chosen to colour in decor trees with their dreams and hopes for South Africa. “The girls drew their dreams of a more equal, just and safe South Africa; where all women and girls would be respected and protected,” says Kayli Simpson. “They have a sisterhood of girls supporting girls, encouraging each other to speak out and get the help and care they need. They want to make sure that their message of strength, positivity and hope is shared far and wide. As one of our 16-year-old girls said ‘It is our mission to make sure that what has happened to our sisters does not define them. I am a rape survivor yes, but I am not a victim, but a victor!’”

MASTER WIRE AND BEAD CRAFT | BISHOP TARAMBAWAMWE Founded in 2005, Master Wire and Bead Craft is the brainchild of Bishop Tarambawamwe who grew up in Zimbabwe making wire car toys. He started selling his handcrafted bead and wirework at traffic lights, and his passion for the art led him to look for a space in the Waterfront to sell his wares – with the business growing organically into the operation it is today. The décor from the Master Wire and Bead Craft team, which you'll see in the Watershed forests, is inspired by nature. “Seeing the sun rise and set, the tree leaves moving, and the serenity from the ocean,” says Bishop. “Special thanks to the Waterfront for the opportunity to showcase my work to everyone that visits during the holiday season,” says Bishop. “The combination of works from different artists to form one art piece has shown that we are all one big family.”

SAMSON SITHOLE | SUNSHINE CRAFTS Zimbabwean-born Samson Sithole started making handcrafts at an early age, and now, through his company Sunshine Crafts, creates authentic crafts from scrap metal. For his Waterfront décor, he’s created 30cm wide butterflies using old oil drums. “The butterflies are then welded onto a piece of iron that runs the length of 3.7m before being powder coated in green, blue and brown paint,” says Samson. He hopes that when local visitors come to enjoy the V&A Waterfront, the butterflies will bring joy and hope: “and that one day we will fly and walk freely without the fear of Covid-19.”

PHATHU NEMBILWI Graphic designer and digital illustrator Phathu Nembilwi’s work is centred around people and their daily experience and is inspired by South Africa and Africa’s vibrant colours, people and patterns. Phathu worked on the illustrations that were used in the palace, trees and dioramas. “My work was centered around the King and Queen illustrations and the people of the palace not forgetting the ordinary people that form part of the space,” she says. “In the illustrations, the Queen is Mother Earth and the King the Guardian of Joy, and they show happiness, diversity, togetherness and celebration.”

YANGA GCEYA | CAPTAIN FANPLASTIC Captain Fanplastic is an environmental literacy programme that teaches children about the value and impact of plastic using graphic storytelling and games. Together with Our Workshop and the public, they helped to create the plastic kelp forest and flowers made from tinted PET bottles, creating something beautiful from waste. “For me the use of plastic material further made it more exciting because it links directly with our programme that advocates for a mindset that plastic is #NotTrashButTreasure in that it has many uses in our lives,” says Yanga Gceya.

DAVIS NDUNGU | RECYCLED FLIP

FLOP SCULPTURES STUDIO

Kenyan-born Artist Davis Ndungu believes in giving something a second chance. At his studio – the Recycled Flip Flop Sculptures Studio – discarded flip flops are transformed into colourful sculptures such as animals, furniture and accessories. For the Waterfront Décor, they were turned into garlands – and Davis’ search for perfection saw him remake the garlands three times until he was completely happy with the result.

PAULINE IRVINE | ARTYMISS Specialising in bespoke laser cutting, pop-ups and 3D paper artwork, Pauline worked on the Tree of Light installation as well as the Summer Palace dioramas. “I particularly enjoy projects like this one for the V&A Waterfront as it pushed me to expand my capabilities (I don’t often work at this large scale!) and to collaborate with other talented creatives,” says Pauline, who has a range of pop-up cards at boutique stores and online. The Tree of Light (which features a whopping 30 000 lights) is made from thick wood and vinyl, and is one of the drawcards for this year’s festive décor. “The idea behind the Tree of Light was to celebrate life and the light in people,” says Pauline. “We wanted create a feeling of hope, kindness, togetherness and to show people and animals living together in harmony.” “The Tree of Light will be presented as our symbol of joy and outreach to our community with a lighting of its lanterns.” explains Tinyiko Mageza.

“The décor is important not just because it looks pretty, but because it has a sustainable impact on the environment, and equally, sustainability in terms of our heritage, history and just embracing who we are within this diverse, crazy, complex continent.” – Tinyiko Mageza March/April 2020 | 5

Lifestyle

CELEBRATING

LOCAL BUSINESS WORDS: Debbie Loots • IMAGES: Supplied

LITTLE SHOP OF DELIGHTS

Arthur’s Mini Super in Sea Point is a super cool little grocer, deli and local produce shop where hipsters love to hang out. We chat to Will Dobson, one of the owners, on why community is top priority and how their food is made from pure nostalgia What inspired you to open Arthur’s Mini Super in Sea Point? Stephanie Anastasopoulos and I worked on the SUZELLE DIY cookbook “recipes” together at the beginning of 2018 and spoke at length about how great it would be to have a little store with all our favourite treats and eats. I had a bit of catering equipment that I had amassed over the years and always had a dream to open a tiny hole in the wall serving the most delicious coffee and maybe a treat or two. We stumbled upon the site we are in now and it seemed perfect. We also knew that we would soon build up a wonderful community down this little side road!

Tell us a bit about your menu? Our menu could be best described as simple nostalgia. We offer toasted sandwiches, things on toast and fresh deli meats and sandwiches. Everything is made fresh and to order daily. We are quite obsessive about food waste so often run out of things by the end of the day, but we like it that way as it guarantees quality and freshness. Are you planning on opening other mini supers elsewhere soon? We are expanding our current shop and are building a bigger kitchen, which will be able to handle the current demand a bit better. We plan to get into catering and ready-made meals soon and offer customers more of a deli experience.

For a bit of high-end retail therapy without the hefty price tag, look no further than Martine’s boutique, a delightful women’s clothing store in Sea Point that offers personalised wardrobe assistance too Want to change your wardrobe? Feel like you need some more colour in your life? Well, the answer is simple. Pop over to Martine’s boutique in Sea Point and you will be fixed up by its owner Martine Volks in no time. Martine really knows and loves what she does. “Clothing must be in my blood,” she says. “For years, my late grandfather owned a couple of men’s retail stores in Mossel Bay.” Martine opened her first shop in Camps Bay in 1995 when she was only twenty-three years old and fresh out of marketing school. Today she has a shop in Sea Point and a clientele who loves and trusts her.

How is your store different? It is very small, but as a result is very cosy and welcoming. Steph and I put a lot of effort in the customers experience of the space and try to keep it authentic to what we love, but also what the customers like. The shop is always changing, from the menu to the retail offering as we work it all out, but I think that keeps it fresh and exciting at the same time. You can also guarantee great instagram posts because anywhere you look is like a setting of sorts. Why is being part of a community special? Community is so important to us and the shop because we all need one another. One must be mindful of where you are and also to be aware of the community that was there before you and will be there long after you’re gone. Communities support each other, not only financially, in the case of a business, but also emotionally and practically. I feel we have brought a lot of the people in the community in our space, which is rewarding.

WARDROBE MISTRESS

“We thank you for your ongoing support over the last twenty-five years and wish you all strength as we tackle this crisis together.” Martine Volks Martine’s beautiful and colourful collections are suitable for all age groups and consist of hand-picked local and international brands made from the highest quality fabrics with an uncompromised focus on craftmanship. “When I put together my ranges, I think of my clients, whether they are local or from overseas, and I love nothing more than seeing them walk out in the outfits I’ve envisaged for them,” she says. Martine also offers a personalised analysis of her clients’ wardrobes, which includes helping them clear out and recycle unworn and old garments before she updates, restructures and restyles their wardrobes and daily looks. “At the end of the day dressing is a personal process so I always encourage my clients to stay true to themselves,” says Martine. “And it’s this honesty and personal attention given to each and every person that walks into my store, that bring me such joy.” Never a better time for some retail therapy, we say. Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday 7.30-5pm Saturday and Sunday 8-2pm arthursminisuper.co.za @arthursminisuper

Martine’s clothing boutique is open for trade and they are taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of clients: disinfecting hands, credit card machines and counters. Only one on one shopping in store will be allowed, and they will also do home drop offs and apros for clients in the area. @MartinesOnTheBay @Martinesonthebayboutique 0726279656 to place orders martines-on-the-bay-boutique.business.site

Lifestyle

IT’S A KIND OF MAGIC

In a narrow side street off Main Road in Sea Point lives the delightful Duchess of Wisbeach, a restaurant with such personality and attitude that it instantly puts you under its spell.

A special message from Theresa

Remember Sam’s Café in Melville, Johannesburg, back in the nineties? Never mind if you don’t. Just believe me when I say The Duchess of Wisbeach in Sea Point is owned by the same inimitable Theresa Beukes, the chef from Sam’s Café, and boy, does she make magic happen in this little place. Imagine Paris or New York, a smoky speak easy restaurant and bar, a lounge singer somewhere in a corner belting out golden oldies, and you get The Duchess picture. The place is bustling. Always. There’s laughter, eating, drinking, making conversation around white decked out dining tables and the fabulous bar area. Having a good old time. The décor is cool and classy, leaning towards a bit of old-fashioned glitz and glam. All kinds of porcelain dogs perch everywhere. On tables, the kitchen counter, the bar. There’s even a couple of real ones (Theresa’s) doing the rounds, greeting guests before minding their own business in a corner somewhere. By the way, wellbehaved dogs are welcome here. Things heat up as the evening progresses. In between perky waiters darting around with hands full of all kinds of fabulous fare (remember Avocado Ritz?) Theresa shows up to greet regulars, or welcome new guests, or bring along a bottle of tequila and shot glasses before sitting down to join in a birthday toast. But, that’s not the end of the story. It’s the music. As it gets later, so the tunes get amped up. And they hit that nostalgic nerve – full on, no escape. It’s Cole Porter, Louis Armstrong, Doris Day, Elvis, Abba, you name it. And it gets turned up, and turned up, so much so that at one point you simply have to get up and dance. That’s all. Make a good old fool of yourself. But who cares? This place is magic. Be warned. Resistance is futile.

It’s fabulous to be open again. Tables need to be, and are, 1.5m from each other and we need to be 1.5m from our guests and each other, which we are. All our staff are permanently masked. Guests obviously can’t be masked while they eat. We sanitise everything in the restaurant (menus, cutlery, crockery, glasses, condiment containers, loos, bar, chairs, etc.) one million and ten times a night. And our hands have rashes and are flaky from the constant sanitising. Guests temperatures are taken on arrival and their hands are sanitised. Most of our guests carry their own sanitisers as well. Otherwise, it’s business as usual! The music has changed a little; The Zol song has become the lockdown anthem! People are starting to come out more, albeit with healthy, respectful caution. Our guests, for now, are younger, the atmosphere more hopeful and less gloomy, and we are steaming ahead one foot in front of the other. Our Take-Away menu is the same as our normal menu and available for contactless collection. Lots of love, Theresa 3 Wisbeach Rd Sea Point @duchessofwisbeach @duchessofwisbeach www.duchessofwisbeach.co.za

KEEP YOUR CAR SQUEAKY CLEAN If your car’s been gathering dust over lockdown, best you get it cleaned up for any adventures on the horizon. And we know just the person to do it for you. In his pre-covid life, Sea Point’s Simbai Geni worked as a butler at a boutique hotel. Now he’s a fully-fledged entrepreneur who’s using his excellent customer service skills in his own business, MCCS (Mobile Car Cleaning Services). “I have always been a hard worker, but this is the first time I have worked for myself and I am so excited to have an opportunity to build a small business,” he says. With the help of his mentor Tracey Shearer, Simbai started a Facebook page and marketed his business and now, through word of mouth and referrals, the bookings are flooding in. If you’re on the Atlantic Seaboard and you’d like to book Simbai’s services, all you need to do to book a car cleaning slot is send him a message on Facebook - he’ll come to you with his car cleaning products and a handheld vacuum cleaner. For an interior and exterior wash, it’s R125 for a sedan, R175 for a medium car or small SUV, and for a large SUV it’s R200. The wash should take about 2 hours, but if your car needs a little extra attention it’ll cost an additional R50. @MobileCarCleaningServices

Your Community Jeweller of Choice! Engelbrecht Jewellers is a family owned and run business established in 1968. Their small team of dedicated personnel bring with them several years of experience and strive to provide outstanding customer service and top-notch quality products.

We take an y old gold as payment! P rice determined s by the gold pr ice of the day.

Specialising in the manufacture of bespoke jewellery that has been crafted to meet their customers’ individual needs, Engelbrecht Jewellers also offers watch repairs and remodelling of existing jewellery – modern or antique. From new sales and valuations to modifications and repairs, Engelbrecht Jewellers will assist you every step of the way.

Design and manufacture | Repairs on watches and jewellery | Valuation | Restringing | Engraving Engelbrecht Jewellers 021 553 2705 13 Birkenhead Shopping centre Melkbosstrand www.engelbrechtjewellers.co.za

March/April 2020 | 7

Lifestyle

FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD

We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to interesting and delicious food and, after months and months of lockdown, it’s never been more important (or delicious) to support small business! We chat with Pamela McOnie, a tour operator who created a whole new food community during lockdown. When the owner of Cape Fusion Tours stopped operations at the end of March, she was amazed at how her friends in the food business were adapting. “I marvelled at how many of them were pivoting and starting new ventures,” says Pamela McOnie. Three weeks later she had a website up-and-running, where local food artisans from chefs and caterers to producers and growers, could showcase their wares. Run in conjunction is the extremely popular Facebook group, and you don’t have to scroll too far down the page to find what you're looking for. An assortment of pastries delivered straight to your door for the weekend? Check. Tantalising curries cooked by a world-class chef? Check. Handmade pestos, jams and sauces? Check, check, check! While the website is a one-stop-shop for all sorts of food goods and services from small, artisanal businesses, the Facebook group has become a place for local food businesses and foodies to connect, share and offer support. “The outcome of this pandemic for me is that we have become a closer community,” says Pamela. “We are more conscious of where we spend our money. Our gut instinct is to try and assist in any way that we can. It has become about connecting with real people.” And connection has never been more important. Lockdown has impacted every facet of the food supply chain – from farmers to chefs, and everyone in between. “Spending your money to support our local foodpreneurs will keep their heads above water and we will be able

TERRA MADRE

to have a foodie city to return to one day,” says Pamela. “Think about your footprint when you purchase. Let’s stop buying imported food and support the people in our city wherever we can. We are a community.” Forced to innovate by the Pandemic, small food businesses around the Mother City have risen to the occasion. “I am blown away by people’s creativity!” says Pamela. She says that she’s loved seeing chefs creating amazing meals to be enjoyed in home, and believes it’s going to change how we do take-aways in the future. “Getting a dish that just needs the last final bit of cooking at home changes the final product completely. I have never had a take away that has tasted as good as that.” “Food vendors have come up with the most wonderful ideas and every day I learn more and more about the vendors in our city. We can pat ourselves on the back. Wow, we have such wonderful offerings on our doorstep - why on earth was I shopping at Pick n Pay and Woolies for so many years?!” Pamela says she’s enjoyed every second of her journey since she started Cape Town Eats. “I love nothing more than connecting people and sharing everything amazing I have found. The difference is that I am now sharing with a local audience, versus for years I have been sharing with the overseas market!” Cape Town Eats www.capetowneats.com

HALF BAKED

PLETHORA

ORGANIC FRUIT & VEG BOX

CUPCAKES

VEGAN MEALS

“We love getting our vegetable box straight from the farm. You can seriously taste the difference,”says Pamela. Farmer Nicole Precoudis grows veggies on her apple farm in Elgin, Terra Madre, and also “makes the world’s best coldpressed apple juice.” Pamela recommends including a pack or two of spanakopita when you place your order. www.terramadre.co.za

“The best cupcakes in town!” says Pamela. Handmade by Arran in Oranjezicht, the cupcakes are priced at R150 for 6 and come in an incredibly tempting array of flavours – Gianduja, Tiramisu, Dulce de Leche and Triple Chocolate are just some of the options. @halfbakedcapetown

“Wonderful vegan dishes made by artist Tamlyn,” says Pamela, who highly recommends her vegetarian lasagne. Tamlyn delivers her soups and bakes frozen to the CBD and Atlantic Seaboard, so stock up on goodies to keep in the freezer. @plethoravegan

CHEF KUAN

COOKING BOXES AND MORE

RANDLES & SON

MEAL FOR TWO

“One of my best meals of the year was from Randles & Son,” says Pamela. Chef Wesley, previously of Shortmarket Club, changes his menu weekly and cooks up a home delivery meal for two people for R440 - incredible value for a top chef. “The meal we had was wholesome, real food, and as if it was cooked by a friend for a dinner party. But not just any friend, a really gifted foodie friend.” @randlesandson

Previously chef at Kitima and Macau, Chef Kuan has “rocked the lockdown!” with his range of convenience Asian cuisine, including delicious pantry and freezer staples. He started his delivery business from scratch and now has three people working for him full time. “He is doing everything from meals to feast selections to cooking boxes through to coming to your kitchen to cook for you,” says Pamela. @asiandelibykuan

SQUARE TOMATO

BAKLAVA

The “next level baklava” from Square Tomato, made with cashews and a syrup infused with cardamom and star anise, is handmade in Montagu and delivered weekly to Cape Town. “It arrives frozen, so buy a few packs – you are going to be addicted after the first pack and will be very grateful to find this in the freezer again!” www.capetowneats. com/listing/cape-townsquare-tomato/

FUDE FOREVER

DAILY MEAL

Chef Tamsyn Wells, who used to work at 15 on Orange before pivoting during the lockdown, delivers meal kits and a daily lunch dish (gourmet mac and cheese with crispy bacon, anyone?) straight to your door. The meal kits include Potsticker for two and Mexican Taco Fude kits, and you can access cooking instructions online to guide you through the final cooking process. @fudeforever

Lifestyle

TASTE THE

CONTINENT

See your city through new eyes and explore the rich and delicious African food culture that’s right on our doorstep. IMAGES: Yann Macherez, Hein van Tonder, Oliver Petrie

We know that we’re a city of good food – but turn your attention away from the modern European style of cuisine that’s put us on the map and you’ll find there’s a whole world of food to explore. Specifically that from our own continent. And now, while international tourists are thin on the ground, is the time to join the African Food and Storytelling Tour. Food writer Dennis Molewa and his partner Khofi the King (both pictured on the left) aim to shine a light on the “totally underrated and underrepresented” Pan-African cuisine cooked up in the CBD. The immersive 3-hour tour takes visitors to four different stops where they’ll be able to share and taste authentic Pan-African food and beverages, as well as hear the real life stories from the food entrepreneurs who now call the Mother City home. “We play live music, share traditional African food and facilitated storytelling sessions, where different refugees and immigrants would get to tell their stories, how they came to Cape Town and what the story behind their cooking is,” says Dennis. The tours started quite informally, taking friends around Cape Town’s hidden African gems, but when Mpumelelo Tswelopele Sefalane, a community organiser from Airbnb, pointed out that there was a need for authentic African food experiences in the city, that the wine tasting, supper clubs and fine dining side of the market was full, he decided to formalise his tours. Quickly, the tours grew in popularity but unfortunately most of those on the tour have been foreigners. “It would be absolutely amazing and perhaps even more impactful to host more locals,” he says. “Many of my South African friends who joined me on tours have been astonished and told me that they now view the city with completely different eyes.” “Cape Town faces many cultural, social and economic challenges we simply wanted to build a bridge and challenge preconceived ideas.” The African Food and Storytelling Tour takes a maximum of 10 guests on a tour of Cape Town’s hidden and authentic African kitchens and restaurants, to discover a different perspective and how food plays an incredible role in keeping culture alive and communities together, even outside of the city of your birth. Be prepared to eat with your hands and to keep an open mind. As the tour winds down, you’ll finish up with live music and one last beverage. “Our little intimate concert paired with traditional Senegalese Cafe Touba is always a magical moment,” says Dennis.

Get involved

The African Food & Storytelling Tour costs R1000 a person. The meeting point is in Greenmarket Square, and for more information get in touch with Dennis Molewa or book the African Food and Storytelling Tour on Airbnb. Dennis and Khofi offer group discounts if affordability is an issue so that the Tour can remain as inclusive as possible please email Dennis directly to find out more. 0797866651 molewaskitchen@gmail.com @africanfoodandstorytellingtour Secret Cape Town: African Food Tour & Storytelling

What’s on the menu? * Taste of Ethiopia: Try an authentic, only-one-of-its-kind-in-SouthAfrica type of Ethiopian cuisine that’s cooked and served to the Ethiopian diaspora * Pan African plate: Dishes and snacks from North East Africa, West Africa and South Africa * Drinks: African coffee beverages, spiced tea and traditional Somalian and West African juice

Lifestyle

NECTARINE, MAPLE AND YOGHURT POPSICLES It’s stone fruit season, so celebrate the return of fresh nectarines with this delicious and healthy recipe from Zola Nene – and best yet, the kids can join in!

LIGHT & BRIGHT

Tired of cooking long, complicated meals? Try your hand at this fuss-free, quick and easy recipe for Asian-style mince in lettuce cups from Chantal Lascaris – and as an added bonus, it just uses one pot! WORDS: Chantal Lascaris • IMAGES: Supplied

I have a confession to make… I’m a messy cook, so using only one pot or pan or baking sheet really appeals to me. But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s only about mid week stews and casseroles. My new book All Sorts of One Dish Wonders proves that cooking in one pot or pan can be exciting, dinner party-worthy and delicious, from breakfasts, main courses and side dishes, right through to yummy desserts. With a focus on seasonal, fresh and healthy options you’ll find recipes to serve to family and friends, whilst leaving you time to do the things you want to do. With summer here, it’s time to start eating more healthily, so ban the banana bread and embrace the season with these delicious bites. Snuggled inside the lettuce leaves you’ll find a little taste of Asia. Ordinary mince is taken to new heights with the flavours of the Orient. This dish is quick, inexpensive and low fat, yet still tastes special. The hot spiciness works well with the crunchy cabbage and lettuce, creating just the right balance of heat and tang.

Asian-style Mince in Lettuce Cups 400–600g beef mince 4 Tbsp hoisin sauce 2 Tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp fish sauce 1½ Tbsp olive oil 1 red onion, chopped 2 green peppers, chopped 1 punnet white mushrooms, chopped 1 cup sliced red and white cabbage seeds of 5 cardamom pods ½ tsp Chinese 5 spice ½ tsp minced garlic 1 tsp minced fresh ginger 2 Tbsp lemon juice salt and pepper to taste 3 Tbsp roughly chopped fresh basil 1 gem lettuce 1 Tbsp fresh basil for garnishing sliced fresh chillies for garnishing (optional) ½–1 tsp chilli flakes (or more, depending how hot you like it)

• Combine the uncooked mince with the hoisin, soy and fish sauces and allow the flavours to develop while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. • Heat a pot, then add the olive oil and sauté the onion and green peppers until the onion starts to soften. • Add the mushrooms, cabbage, spices and lemon juice, then continue to sauté until the cabbage has softened and the flavours have developed (7–10 minutes). Season with salt and pepper but go easy on the salt as the soy and fish sauces are already quite salty. Just before serving, stir in the chopped basil. • Arrange individual lettuce leaves on a platter and place the mince inside. Garnish with extra basil and sliced chillies (if using). Serve immediately. All Sorts of One Dish Wonders by Chantal Lascaris is published by Penguin Random House and retails for R240. Chantal Lascaris is based in Franschhoek.

Makes 8 3 nectarines, chopped Juice of ½ orange (reserve the zest for the yoghurt layer) 2 Tbsp. maple syrup 250ml Full cream Plain Yoghurt 100ml milk 1 tsp vanilla extract Zest of one orange, finely grated ¼ cup maple syrup 100g ginger biscuits, crushed 4 Tbsp melted butter 50g dark chocolate, melted (to serve)

• Place the nectarines, orange juice and maple syrup into a pot, then simmer until the nectarines are soft. • Place into a blender and purée until smooth. • Spoon nectarine purée into the lolly moulds, filling up to a third of the way full. • Whisk together the yoghurt, milk; orange zest and maple syrup, then carefully spoon into the moulds onto the fruit mixture, leaving space for the cookie mixture. • Mix together the crushed ginger biscuits and butter then add as the final layer in the lolly moulds. • Carefully push the lolly sticks through, then freeze until completely set before unmoulding. • Before serving, drizzle with melted chocolate.

Lifestyle

SPRUCE UP YOUR After spending months surrounded by the same four walls, is it time for a change? We’ve got some ideas to give your home a makeover, and even if you’re counting your pennies these small changes will make a big difference.

GET ORGANISED A space can feel incredibly different simply by decluttering and reorganising. To start, go through all drawers and create piles for the things that will be kept, donated, or thrown away. After decluttering, homeowners can regain some sense of control by organising the storage spaces in the home.

WORDS: Marana Brand • IMAGES: The Home Studio & Shutterstock

SPACE

KEEP IT LOCAL We love these décor items - and the best part is, they all support local artists, designers and businesses!

REARRANGE

The Wanderland Collective works together with South African artists to create accessories and homeware, and we just love this scatter cushion designed by Cape Town-based Mrs + Mr Luke. The printed velvet cushion features and interpretation of their ‘My Head, Your Hand’ project. R1190

Rearranging your current furniture can give your living space a whole new look. Establish the focal point in the room and work from there, leaving enough space for easy circulation within the room. “Even if you’re not able to change the position of your key pieces – like a sofa and media unit – switching out and moving around the additional items and accessories make all the difference. If this is the case, our trick is to take everything out of the room, just leaving those key items in the correct position, and then bring it all back into the room one by one. This blank canvas gives you the opportunity to look at the room in a new way, and think about how you can mix and match what you already have. Remember, less is always more! Don’t crowd the room,” says Karen Steyn, founder of The Home Studio.

THE POWER OF PAINT Paint has to be one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to make a major change in your living space. Whether you’re giving white walls a fresh new coat, or going for a complete change with a darker, dramatic look, or painting a feature wall or just a door, paint has the power to completely change the overall style and feel of any room. “We always suggest swatching first to see how the colour looks in your space, and don’t be afraid to go darker than you think. Rich, saturated colours add so much warmth to a living room,” Steyn says.

“Even if you’re not able to change the position of your key pieces – like a sofa and media unit – switching out and moving around the additional items and accessories make all the difference.” Karen Steyn, founder, The Home Studio

BRING IN SOME LIFE A simple basket planter and plant can make the difference needed to make your living space feel alive and welcoming. Using a basket for your planter has the additional benefit of introducing added texture to the living space. “We prefer one large plant to maximise the visual impact,” Steyn says.

Pots about Plants was started by Gift after he was retrenched due to Covid-19 – the cement pots are made by hand, and you can order just the basic pot (in all sorts of shapes and sizes) or one that’s been painted and filled with a succulent. @Potsaboutplantsct and starts from R35

WIN

Inspired by the Cape’s floral kingdom, Hout Bay-based artist Kendall hand draws all the designs and patterns featured in the beautiful KeniKen collection. In the range, you’ll find napkins, table runners, tablecloths and tea towels, as well purses, wine carriers and multipurpose soft pots/ round holdalls that are ideal for pot plants and herbs. Pretoria based Balekane Legoabe’s beautiful digital artwork The Prettiest One Ed. 1/3 is available from State of the Art Gallery, where you can browse and buy in the comfort of your own home. R1950

Want to w in a R500 KeniKen voucher? Head to @Pure lyLocalCT on Facebook to enter

Lifestyle SOMETHING OLD So you need a new couch, armchair, desk, table…? No need to get alarmed by prices. Search through Facebook Marketplace or a local buy-and-sell Facebook page, or put on your mask and go on a treasure hunt in the neighbourhood second hand store. You might just find the perfect previously loved piece looking for a new home. A bit of DIY can turn it into a statement.

COME ON

GIVE THIS DOG A HOME!

SEE THE LIGHT The right lighting can do wonders to lift the mood of a home. “This may sound surprising, but remember to layer your lighting too. Good lighting is a must – day or night – and it pays to have a mix of ceiling, wall, table and floor lamps. Obviously you don’t need them all, especially in smaller spaces, but two complementary styles should ensure your living space can be either fully illuminated, or indirectly lit through ambient and reading lighting,” Steyn suggests.

BRING BEES INTO YOUR GARDEN! “Bees are an essential part of an ecosystem and responsible for the pollination of about a third of our food crops and many of southern Africa’s indigenous plant species,” says Candide Gardening’s Shani Krige. Here are a few excellent tips from Candide Gardening on how to attract bees to your garden and keep them happy. 1 Allow vegetables and herbs to flower by adding a few extra plants or seeds. Bees love the flowers of rocket, fennel, and carrot to name a few. 2 Be diverse. Plant as many different flowering herbs, plants, shrubs, and trees as possible, the more diverse you can go, the better. 3 Just like humans, bees need water. Make sure your garden has one or a few water sources that are friendly to bees. They need to have a place to sit where they can reach the water, so consider placing a large rock inside your birdbath or fill a shallow tray with pebbles. 4 Avoid pesticides and chemicals as they are not good for bees. Rather try natural ways of fighting off pests like neem oil, soap, garlic, and Epsom salts. 5 Plant the indigenous Cape-forget-me-not (Anchusa capensis), which produces brilliant blue blooms in Spring through Summer. It is an easy plant to grow and the flowers attract bees and butterflies. 6 Another wonderful bee-friendly plant that’s easy to grow is Alyssum. Plant seedlings from your local nursery, then sow seeds between the planted seedlings for a continuous carpet of blooms throughout the season. The tiny flowers are honey-scented and attract bees in their numbers.

For more gardening tips and advice, download the Candide Gardening app. www.candidegardening.com @candideappza |

Building on an award-winning success rate of finding shelter dogs a home, the WOOF Project container will soon be popping up at a park near you, making it really easy to meet your new four-legged best friend Words: Debbie Loots

WOOF Project’s converted pop-up dog adoption container – and the newly introduced WOOF Express retro Volksie Adoption unit- is a familiar sight around Cape Town, including the promenade in Sea Point, where dogs of all types and sizes run around to meet and greet visitors in the hope of finding a permanent home. This innovative dog-adoption initiative’s success rate is 30 times higher than a shelter’s where an average of only one or two dogs are adopted per week. The reason, says founder Joanne Lefson, is that WOOF Project is a much happier place for dogs and prospective owners to meet, rather than at a dog shelter where circumstances are mostly overcrowded and often depressing. In the open air and sunshine, visitors can play with the dogs in a positive environment and take them for walks to see how they get along with each other. Lefson was inspired to start WOOF Project after adopting her own shelter dog, Oscar. She recalls how she felt about his circumstances when she met him at the shelter in 2005 and her experience afterwards. “In the shelter, he was one day from being euthanised, but when I took him out into the public, everybody wanted Oscar,” she says. “That got me thinking about how many Oscars die every day because nobody goes to the shelters.” Oscar then became the first dog to travel around the World and visited 45 countries with

Lefson to promote dog adoption. Since Lefson started WOOF Project in 2017, the total combined Western Cape adoption rate jumped by 42%. In 2019 the initiative was awarded the world record for the most dog adoptions by one agency in one day with 57 dogs adopted at Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. And to keep it that way: ensuring man’s best friend continues to find a home, WOOF Project is continuing their efforts, regardless of Covid-19. “Luckily, working with dogs means we’ve had strict hygiene and psycho disinfecting procedures in place since the beginning,” says Lefson. And, to further limit risk, sanitiser and F10 disinfectant (an industrial certified veterinary disinfectant) are attached to the WOOF container and WOOF Express for volunteers and visitors to disinfect their hands. Dog beds have also been removed and dog leads are washed and disinfected between use. “Bottom line is the shelters are very full,” says Lefson. “To close would have a detrimental effect of the lives of these dogs – so we are ensuring strict hygiene protocols to keep the dogs and humans safe while continuing our efforts to find them homes.” Exciting news is that another new adoption centre opened in the Foreshore recently and is still be visited during weekdays. It’s key sponsor is SUPERWOOF, the new 6-star dog hotel and day care in Cape Town.

For more information on where the next WOOF Project container is popping up, the exact safety precautions, and any new developments, keep an eye on their Instagram and Facebook pages. @oscarsarcsa | @oscarsarc

Inspire

FARMING

FOR CHANGE WORDS: Carla Redelinghuys • IMAGES: Supplied

Nokwanda Nkqayi, 64, comes from a rural farming background. She was unemployed and new to the city when she was introduced to the AgriPlanner Programme, where farmers are given access to small patches of under-utilised land on school, community or municipal properties, and have turned these into small, sustainable farms. In Khayelitsha, four women and two men farmers who came through the programme are today running the successful Siyazama Community Food Garden, a fully organic, 10,000m2 garden supported by the local community, organisations and NGOs. The farm follows an ethos of using natural, organic materials, with chicken or kraal manure and earthworm tea used to nourish the soil. The garden was started in 1997 by 30 unemployed women. Currently, the farmers sell their produce to hotels, restaurants, retailers, and families in the city through a vegetable box ordering programme. Each farmer has transitioned from subsistence to livelihoodlevel farming and now has an average income of between R8 000 and R12 000 a month. While adhering to Covid-19 safety protocols, the farmers continued their farming operations during lockdown.

Siyazama farmers with representatives of Coronation and the South African Institute of Entrepreneurship (SAIE). From left: Nomothasaga Pekula; Rochelle Roman (Coronation); Liziwe Stofile; Ernest Boateng (SAIE); Nokwanda Nkqayi; Anton Pillay (Coronation); Letitia Tshuthumeza; Wendy Bergsteedt (Coronation); and Andiswa Bukula.

PRODUCE 50-80 BOXES

PRODUCTION 1250-1600 BOXES

Each member of the co-operative produces 50 – 80 boxes of vegetables per month.

This results in an average total monthly production of 1250 to 1600 boxes of vegetables.

“I like to be in a green environment, and since working here, I am much healthier from eating these organic vegetables and getting exercise every day,” says Nokwanda. “It has also empowered me because I was previously unemployed and now I have a variety of skills and a steady income. I was able to send my kids to school. I also take veggies to the poor, sick and elderly in the community, and five schools each have a patch of land here that the children farm on with our help. It’s very rewarding work. “We were lucky, the municipality gave us this land to farm and then we received the training. Now we grow peppers, kale, cabbage, leeks, rocket, herbs, lots of things. About 30 other gardens in Khayelitsha and many tertiary students have come to learn from us.” Nkqayi has also seen climate change taking effect before her eyes. “We have boreholes now, but we are still recovering from the drought. Every year we can see the effects of climate change getting worse. Organic farms like ours, which are very water-efficient and do not use harmful chemicals, are a part of the answer.” Says Coronation CEO Anton Pillay: “Farmers play a vital role in local communities: creating jobs, adding to food security and benefiting the local economy. Climate change, lack of training and business support are just some of the challenges they face, and the reality is that these issues are likely to increase. “This is why we will continue to offer local food growers practical training and entrepreneurial support through the Growing Entrepreneurs programme, which produces a tangible result and has a very real impact.”

Liziwe Stofile

INCOME R8000- R12000 The average monthly sales income per member is between R8000 – R12000.

Andiswa Bukula

THE AGRIPLANNER PROGRAMME A joint initiative between the SA Institute for Entrepreneurship (SAIE) and Coronation Fund Managers, the programme celebrates a 16-year track record of having assisted more than 5 000 emerging farmers, of whom 65% are women. The programme addresses issues such as farm enterprise planning, money management, co-operative management and good governance, dealing with markets, record-keeping, crop management, as well as business and sustainable practices.

Inspire

SELF

STARTER

The pandemic has forced many to reconsider their lives, and some have found their work life wanting. Catherine Wijnberg, founder of Fetola and author of Sheep will never Rule the World, gives her advice on starting your own business.

CATCH OF THE DAY SERVE OTHERS. A business that is in service to others will last way longer than one which is built to only make you money.

SUCCESS IS A PLACE WITHIN. Take time each day to read, meditate and breathe in self-belief. If you don’t believe in yourself, no-one else can. This is the starting point of any new journey.

FIND A MARKET – a group of people that have a need you can solve, and the money and desire to pay for it. Then start small, testing and improving as you go. The biggest and most successful business I ever started got to many millions in income, without once advertising. The best advert is a referral from a satisfied customer, so once you have tested and improved you can expand into new markets.

SPEAKING OF FAILURE, build that into your mental expectations and recognise that early failures are really just learning lessons on the way to success.

START SMALL AND LEARN AS YOU GROW. Starting a business can be an exciting and scary journey so take small steps if it’s your first time. I am a lean start up specialist and have started many businesses on a shoestring – for example, did you know that I started Fetola with a laptop and a good idea, from my dining room?

FOLLOW YOUR PASSION. As entrepreneurs we have the choice to make the world what we want it to be. So be grateful for that choice – and find a way for your passion and your work to align.

HAVE A CLEAR PURPOSE THAT OTHERS CAN FOLLOW. For additional inspiration, read Simon Sinek’s book Start with Why – it’s a great help for all entrepreneurs.

Used to supplying restaurants such as La Colombe with sushigrade tuna, Greenfish had to pivot quickly when lockdown hit. Now, they’re bringing their sustainably sourced fish directly to you.

“Lockdown brought us to a complete halt,” says Ryan Nienaber, who co-owns Greenfish with his brother Andrew. “We had to think quickly and reinvent ourselves to keep the lights on.” Faced with unpaid bills and little hope of orders from the hospitality industry thanks to the hard lockdown, they developed an online deli and started to sell direct to the public. The change brought about an unexpected silver lining. “By serving the home cook, we started getting wonderful, personal feedback from happy customers,” says Ryan, who says that the whole experience has been incredibly motivating. “I truly feel like a fishmonger now! People are genuinely interested in our story, where and how our fish is caught.” So how do you get your hands on the fish that’s normally reserved for fine dining restaurants? Customers place their orders before 11am and they’ll get a delivery of carefully packaged, sustainably sourced fish such as Yellow Fin Tuna or Swordfish, freshly pole-caught off the Cape coastline, delivered straight to their door that day. The weather (or fish) might not always

play along, but there’s a good selection of frozen stock available as well as a large assortment of other seafood such as scallops, mussels and prawns. And whether they’ve been farmed or wild caught, all come from sustainable sources that don’t put strain on our oceans. “It’s simple,” says Ryan, when asked why sustainability is such an important element for Greenfish. “We need to look to the future and see what our impact is having. We have to try and change now, even if just a little, to make a big impact for our kids.” If you’re unsure of how to cook fish, or just looking for new ideas, head to FishWife, the blog started by Ryan’s wife Nicole. “The blog was started to take the fear many South Africans have of cooking fish, away. Fish should be eaten as a weekday meal, not only when we dine out,” says Ryan. The blog focuses on simple techniques and a couple of core ingredients to produce a delicious fish dish in under five steps. @Greenfishsa @Greenfishsa greenfish.co.za | fishwife.co.za

TEST YOUR NEW IDEAS on your family, friends and contacts before you expand into other areas and try to limit your financial exposure so that you don’t become burdened and fearful of failure.

SHEEP WILL NEVER RULE THE WORLD Catherine Wijnberg’s Sheep will Never Rule the World is just the sort of book you should have next to you on your desk, within easy reach for when you're searching for inspiration. Catherine is the Cape Town-based founder and CEO of Fetola, a small business incubator that’s worked with 710 businesses over the last 14 years, and her collection of simple, compelling pieces of advice are just the thing to inspire, steady and guide you towards a place of success. Sheep will Never Rule the World is published by Quivertree, illustrated by Patrick Latimer and retails for about R277.

Community

Connecting E E F F O C H G ROU TH

I Love Coffee is a coffee brand staffed by Deaf employees - and a bridge between hearing and Deaf people to engage and connect over a freshlyroasted cup of coffee. Did you know that 5% of South Africa’s population is Deaf? And that 70-80% of Deaf adults are unemployed? I Love Coffee is a social enterprise that aims to broaden the horizons of SA’s Deaf community through skills development and training, and create inclusive working environments in their cafés where Deaf employees can engage with the hearing in a safe space. I Love Coffee opened in 2016 and was founded by Gary Hopkins and Mike MorrittSmith. Education is a vital part of what the I Love Coffee team does, and they’re in the process of accrediting their hospitality training through FoodBev SETA. “I Love Coffee is pretty unique in the sense that we provide training for the Deaf in their own language - the Deaf train the Deaf,”

says Gary. “Historically educators, particularly at school level, are hearing, with a poor grasp of Sign Language. We have upskilled our original baristas to become trainers teaching both the theory and the practical skills required to be a barista, which requires a far greater focus on the visual elements of making coffee.” Just before lockdown, the group had nine cafés operating – including on-site corporate cafes in offices around SA, all staffed by Deaf baristas, chefs, kitchen staff – making them the largest-group of Deaf-run cafes in the world. However, they can now add a new claim: that of being the only coffee brand in the world where the coffee is roasted, packed, made and served by the Deaf. At the start of lockdown, I Love Coffee was

To find out how to sign your order, visit www.ilovecoffeegroup.co.za/greetings-gestures

forced to close all their sites, with the very real possibility that some of the in-office cafes would not reopen. Gary and Mike had always planned for the business to have three pillars – coffee roastery, central kitchen supplying food and training academy – and now they had the opportunity to make it happen. “We immediately turned our attention to completing our central kitchen in Claremont, Cape Town,” says Gary. “In May our imported 1968 Probat roaster arrived at port and Mike MorrittSmith, our head roaster and jack of all trades, set about restoring her to her former glory.” Currently the Claremont branch is the only café open to the general public and it’s quickly gaining a following. “Everything we sell is made on site and we’re getting a lot of attention from locals who can’t get enough of our croissants, sourdough loaves, filled bagels and delicious pies and tarts. The spread really has to be seen to be believed,” says Gary. “We recently spruced up our outdoor area so we encourage customers to join us for breakfast or to grab basket full of goodies and picnic in the park across the road." So the next time you’re craving a caffeine fix, head down to Claremont for some of the finest in SA. Not only will you be supporting an initiative that’s changing the lives of one of SA’s largest communities (over 4 million people in South Africa are deaf or hard of hearing) but you’ll be opening up your world as well.

Did you know? We write Deaf with capital “D” almost 100% of the time. Just like different groups of people who share language or culture are written with capitals - like Xhosa, Afrikaans or Italian - the same goes for the Deaf community who share Sign Languages and a unique culture. Deaf is only used in its lower-case form by doctors to show the medical term for someone with deafness.

Get involved

"Deafness isn't a disabilty. It's a culture and a community."

I Love Coffee Academy, Roastery & Café 103 Garfield Road Claremont Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4pm @ILoveCoffeeGroup ilovecoffeegroup.co.za

Community WORDS: Stuart Diamond • IMAGES: Supplied

A UNITED RESPONSE When the severe implications of the Covid-19 pandemic hit home, the Cape Jewish community took immediate action to ensure the well-being of their people across all sectors

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected society in every conceivable way but importantly, it has given us a new appreciation for the love and support of people to get us through the crisis. Executive Director of Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) Stuart Diamond gives an update on the action by the Cape Jewish community in the face of the pandemic. On 13 March, with the closure of the United Herzlia Schools (the Jewish schools in Cape Town), the Cape Jewish community sprang into action. Our overall response has been structured, having organised different workstreams per sector to ensure good coordination. An overarching Covid-19 steering committee

was assembled in March and include community leaders and medical experts to guide our efforts. These discussions continue, and the guidance of these experts is valued. While we will experience increased financial pressure, the community organisations locally are looking at ways to survive any financial hardship. Locally and nationally, funds have been allocated to support Covid-19 efforts and funds were launched to support small Jewish businesses and keep them afloat. Part of our response has been setting up logistics in various community sectors, launching a mental health support hotline, and assisting the Community Security Organisation (CSO) in starting a wellness line for Jewish families with positive Covid-19 results. This programme sees CSO issuing each Covid-19 positive person with monitoring equipment and performing daily check-ins on symptoms and overall health. The biggest challenge has been how to protect our community and ensure that the correct

SLAYING THE HUNGER MONSTER From an operation that served Cape Town’s homeless community a warm, nutritious bowl of soup once a week, Ladles of Love has grown exponentially. We chatted with founder Danny Diliberto about how the organisation has changed since Covid-19 hit, and the incredible support they received from Capetonians. “When the President announced the lockdown, a calmness came over me,” says Ladles of Love founder Danny Diliberto. “I was so focused and knew exactly what I had to do and that was to get out there and serve as much food to as many people as possible.” The organisation expanded rapidly in response to the new need: “I realised we had to get out of the city and into the poorer communities and townships outside the city – all the areas where there was going to be a hunger crisis if we didn’t get food out,” says Danny. Working together with the beneficiaries and organisations in those communities, he asked them to put the word out that they were going to be providing parcels of vegetables, rice and maize meal to community soup kitchens so that they could cook and serve to the area. “That was the cheapest, most cost-effective way to do it. Food parcels were too expensive, too bulky and helped too few people.” “We also, very innocently, started encouraging people to make sandwiches from their home. And that mushroomed – in fact, the entire organisation exploded!” says Danny. Ladles of Love went from processing and distributing a ton of food a week before lockdown to about 10 tons a week distributed out to the

health protocols are in place and followed. It has been challenging to see outbreaks of the virus in our schools, and particularly, in a Jewish old age home (Highlands House) and a Jewish home for intellectually disabled people (Glendale Home). Our office has provided logistics support to both these organisations, helping them prepare frequent communication releases and distribute information. We also continue to create and

share valuable updates on mask-wearing and quotes from local leadership on the importance of following regulations on all our social media channels and on our website. We have continued driving food, supply and monetary donations to various programmes, most notably to Jewish Community Services (JCS) in our #FoodRaising initiative, to One to One (an organisation that hosts an annual event with the disabled community) for whom we did a #HygieneHaul (hand sanitiser, soap, face cloths, hand towels) and an initiative that we ran during August, our #WinterWarmer campaign, for which we’ve partnered with Mensch, JCS, the Union of Jewish Women (UJW) and Cape Town’s Central City Development District (CCID). The Cape SAJBD has also combined its own funds and fundraising initiatives to purchase food parcels for struggling local refugee communities, amounting to R150,000 to date. Certainly, Covid-19 has had an effect on how we do things, but while we have been physically distant from one another, we have kept our community “open”. In Cape Town with strict enforcement of lockdown regulations, our schools, shuls and spaces closed rather early on. However, between the various Jewish organisations, we have ensured a myriad of Jewish events and webinars to participate in — from programmes for our senior citizens to schools, expert talks, remote Shabbat dinners and panels. Some of our local shuls have taken their services online, inviting community leaders to talk about the Jewish Covid-19 response at some services and encouraging a continuation of the Jewish way of life. It has been amazing to see our community embrace digital togetherness. We care and are doing everything we can to understand how Jewish people are affected and to detect Covid-19 cases early. Via programmes such as CSO, and with interventions at homes like Highlands House, the community is working hard to detect and manage cases early with social distancing, isolation, hygiene protocols and monitoring of symptoms. Our collective hope is that managing mild cases remotely like this will ensure hospital beds are available to those with severe symptoms who are most in need of these services.

Since the start of lockdown until 28 November, Ladles of Love served:

Hot meals and breakfasts:

312,123

Eggs:

Sandwiches:

357,430

3,531,011

The above equates to a total of community. “We had donations pouring in,” he says. “It was really so much kindness, it was like watching miracles in action.” They outgrew their 150sqm premises and moved into the CTICC’s 1500sqm exhibition hall, rapidly expanding their operations and quickly implementing a CRM system to track the 140 000 sandwiches coming in a week. “When we moved into the CTICC we went from helping 15 beneficiaries to 100 beneficiaries, sending out over 50 tons of food a week,” says Danny. “Before, we were doing our sandwich drive on a WhatsApp group and we were getting 1000 messages a day that we couldn’t cope with!” The overwhelming response from Cape Town communities to Ladles of Love’s sandwich drive is something that Danny puts down to people’s inherent willingness to do good. “I think that people were happy to be part of a positive change in this pandemic,” says Danny. “We heard stories from families saying that they weren’t sitting around watching TV anymore, they were sitting around a table and talking while making sandwiches. People were putting in beautiful notes with their sandwiches, they were decorating the packaging. They were going out of their way

Bulk produce and groceries:

1,136,209 KG’s

9,474,026 meals. to make it special, and that is just humanity in action.” Currently, Ladles of Love is operating from the 2600sqm exhibition hall at Grand West Casino until the end of October. “For Ladles of Love, it’s been miraculous to see how we’ve grown from the tiny little organisation that we were into what we are today,” says Danny. “It made me very emotional to see that Ladles had the power to inspire people to be part of a change and how people came together. I feel truly blessed that Ladles was brought into my life.”

Get involved Ladles of Love is calling on everyone to get involved in their ‘FillaPot’ campaign – they’re aiming to fill 10 000 pots of soup and feed 35 000 vulnerable people a day this holiday season. To help out, head on over to their website and donate R150. Each donation received will fill a pot with nutritious vegetables, pulses and grains and each pot will serve 100 people. @ladlesofloveZA | @ladlesoflove www.ladlesoflove.org.za

Inspire

WOMEN

#Social Justice

SUPPORTING

WOMEN

Through interventions like life skills workshops, mentorship and bursaries, Cindy Nell-Roberts’ Women4Women is creating a community of support for girls and young women that aims to encourage and uplift.

Women4Women has long been a vision for former Miss South Africa Cindy Nell-Roberts, who started the organisation in 2018. “I have always had a passion for assisting women and seeing them grow. Being in a position to make a difference, I decided to use my influence in a positive way, to help other women in achieving their goals while also giving hope,” says Cindy. The non-profit organisation focuses on female empowerment, with most of its focus on providing life skills and education for young girls in vulnerable communities. “Education is a fundamental human right and unfortunately we are not doing enough as a country to provide this basic need,” says Cindy. “We strive to bring education to more girls in previously disadvantaged communities. This year, we focused on empowering girls from an even earlier age to ‘bend the tree while it is still young’.” Before lockdown hit, they were able to reach over 2000 learners in 20 schools with their Life Skills Presentation this year alone. Women4Women plans to start three educational centres in vulnerable communities to assist with early childhood development. Here, girls are taught self-confidence, that they aren’t inferior to boys and men, and that their body, and life, is their own. Women4Women have also paid for two girls to go to University and three girls to go to school in the last two years. “In 2019 we also funded the registration of a FET (Further Education Training) facility for the disabled in Mpumalanga,” she says. As the name suggests, Women4Women is all about women building each other up as women. “If women stand together, we can make the change, and this is the legacy that I want to leave for my daughter and generations to come.” For those who want to volunteer, Cindy says there’s nothing too big or too small. “You can start where you are with what you have. If you don’t have money you can offer service, experience or time in the field. We all have the means to make a change,” she says.

“Dream big. Set goals and plans for the future. But working hard today is always the first step towards realising your dreams tomorrow.” Cindy NellRoberts

Get Involved:

There are numerous ways to get involved: • Raise funds through hosting a high tea or self-improvement day event • Volunteer your time and experience • Apply to facilitate a Life Skills Development Course • Apply to facilitate an Early Learning Development Session @women4womensa @women4women women4women.co.za hello@women4women.co.za

THE POWER OF

DANCE “Dance is a universal language” says Ricardo Koopman. The Hout Bayborn dancer and choreographer uses his skills as a dancer to give back and change the future for youngsters around the city.

From the age of 5, Ricardo knew he wanted to be a dancer. His commitment saw him walking into the Cape Town CBD daily for lessons and auditions. “I knew I wanted to make it big in the industry and I had to do what it takes. If it meant walking every day, then so be it, I will just wear comfortable shoes then!” he says. Through his 30-year-long career, he’s been lucky enough to perform at the Artscape Theatre, choreograph for children’s productions at the Baxter Theatre, and teach in England, Thailand, Greece and Switzerland. However, he long dreamed of sharing his love of dance with others and assisting upand-coming dancers – and that’s because he knows how transformative the journey can be. “You can study dance as a profession. It keeps you away from crime, drugs and alcohol abuse. It helps your posture. You might not become a dancer, but you will be equipped for the rest of your life,” says Ricardo. He opened up Ricardo’s Modern Dance Studio at the Ellerton Primary School in Sea Point, and travels back to Hout Bay, to work with dancers of all ages and offering his services free of charge. “My lessons are for everybody. Our youth need guidance and they need to have something they can mould to become theirs,” he says. “There is so much talent out there, they just need the right guidance.” Ricardo believes in making kids' better through dance, and he has been able to help many young dancers - either by teaching them valuable life skills, or training them to find a career in the dance world. However, having invested much of his time and efforts into dancers over the years, he now needs a helping hand to keep his vision alive. “I have helped so many over the years and I want to continue helping, but I too need help in getting to all these dancers,” Ricardo said. Ricardo is looking for a new venue that he can use as a base and offer paid-for lessons, which will allow him to teach dance for free to those that can’t afford them.

Get Involved:

To help Ricardo and his dance studio: 072 100 7170 ricardosdancestudio@gmail.com ricardosdancestudio.co.za

Inspire

Songbird

17-year-old Morgan Visser from Kommetjie lives for anything creative – dance, drama, art, fashion but she’s most at home performing. Created by Olena Panasovska from the Noun Project

Hitting the right note Durban-born Majozi has called Cape Town home for the last few years, with his popular singles Universal Fire, Darling and Breathing cementing a loyal following around SA as well as in the Mother City. We chatted with the SAMA-nominated musician about lockdown, his favourite local business, and what it feels like to play concerts again. What gets you out of bed every morning? My love of God, and knowing he loves me no matter what. That’s what gets me up and gives me hope for whatever I have to do, from day to day.

What was your lockdown like? It was a rollercoaster! I had the mumps for a few weeks which was confusing and painful – my face was hilariously swollen. But there were days of fun, too. I learnt to cook and baked some cookies. I wrote a little and was blessed enough to play some online shows. I was one of the lucky ones in that I still managed to get some work during that time.

Was there anything that you learnt from the experience, about yourself or the world? I was really encouraged by Siya Kolisi, who went out there and helped feed people. I saw a lot of that from all types of individuals and it really gave me hope for the future of humanity. In such dark times, it was nice to see some selflessness and kindness.

What was your first concert after lockdown like? It was strange, you know. I’m so used to interacting with the crowd physically during and after the show, but it was still amazing to be able to play again. Everyone was just so grateful to be out, and I was so grateful just to be there.

Lastly, where’s your favourite place in Cape Town? It has to be Rosetta Roastery. They’ve just opened up a new place in Bree street, and their coffee is the best in the country. Fact.

Get listening Look out for Majozi’s new single Falling which was released at the beginning of November. He wrote the song for his girlfriend who lives with depression and anxiety. “This song is all about how even if I can’t do anything else to relieve the pain and uncertainty, the one thing I know I can do is always be there for her, and that’s my intention from now until eternity,” he said on Instagram on the release of the song. @majozimusic |

@majozimusic

“Lockdown was definitely a learning curve,” says Morgan. “I was in quarantine for two weeks before the hard lockdown was announced because I have an Auto Immune Disorder and fall into the high-risk category. So, before lockdown eased, I hadn’t seen any of my friends for about 3 or 4 months. For my birthday in June, my friends planned a socially-distanced picnic so I could be with the people I love – I cried a whole lot!” Life has gotten – somewhat – back to normal for Morgan, which means its back to her lessons and live performances. “ She first started singing at the age of 11, attending lessons, then taking part in competitions and performing for charity events. “I decided from there that music was an important part of my life,” says Morgan. Her mentors are Sorita and Sumare Van Schalkwyk, who have inspired her and taught her to be confident in herself as a performer, but she also gives huge credit to her parents, saying that “Their support is really what gets me through everything.” “I recently was one of the winners of a competition held by musical artist Amy Tjasink and was lucky enough to perform live with her at the Raptor Room,” says Morgan. “The support and encouragement that both Amy and her family have shown me is absolutely incredible – she’s encouraged me to write more songs, even offering to help me write, which means the absolute world to me.” Morgan’s proudest moments so far have been two events – the first was her first ever paid

gig at Café Roux in 2019. “It was such an amazing experience! The second was a show I recently did to raise funds for my school, Fish Hoek High School. They’ve been severely financially impacted by Covid-19.” So what’s next for this young talent? “In the future, I hope to study at either the Waterfront Performing Arts School or LAMTA - but the big goal is to be a touring recording artist,” she says. “I want to travel the world and inspire people with the things I love to do.”

Morgan’s Top Spots Best thing about Cape Town: I love that there’s so much to discover. Cape Town is so diverse, there’s so many amazing places you can go. Places to go: I love Kalk Bay - a good walk around the harbour, browsing the little shops or eating at Kalkies with my family. I also love doing Chapmans Peak drives with my friends and visiting any and every single beach I can find. Local businesses: Definitely Bokke and Blomme - I have some of their pieces on my walls. I also love ACM Entertainment, who host The ComicEx and Food-Ex and have gotten me back into performing after the hard lockdown.

March/April 2020 | 19

Explore “Hiking is a bit like life: The journey only requires you to put one foot in front of the other…again and again and again. And if you allow yourself the opportunity to be present throughout the entirety of the trek, you will witness beauty every step of the way, not just at the summit” - Unknown

STRETCH

THOSE LEGS

WORDS: Heléne Meissenheimer • IMAGES: Willem Uys & Supplied

Time: 2-4 hours one-way

KASTEELSPOORT On a beautiful day there are few things that are as good for one’s soul as going for a walk in nature. The Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) offers a variety of walks and hikes, depending on one’s fitness level. Greek physician and philosopher Hippocrates said, “Walking is man’s best medicine”, so take one for your health, phone a couple of friends and try out one of these easy to moderately tough hikes.

THE PIPE TRACK This 6km hike starts at Kloof Nek and continues along above Camps Bay and Clifton to Corridor Ravine. According to the TMNP website, the route was built to service the water pipeline that supplied water to Cape Town in the 19th century. It offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Twelve Apostles. TMNP says the route is ideal for children and those who are not so fit although completing the full route there and back could be a bit much. It is easy to reach the track after parking your car on the first parking lot on Tafelberg Road. Just head to the right, up the concrete stairs to find the track.

Time: 1.5-3 hours one way, depending on fitness level and how far you walk

You can start hiking on this route from Theresa Avenue, on the Camps Bay side of the mountain, or you can start with the Pipe Track (which would add another hour to your hike). The route is well signposted so just follow the signs and keep going up. Along the route you will spot remnants of the old cableway used during the 1800s to carry up construction supplies when they built the dams on top of the mountain. On a clear day the route offers spectacular views of the mountain on the one side, and the ocean on the other. And if you’re tired by the time you get to “breakfast rock”, you can have your packed lunch right there, enjoy the beautiful view and go back down again.

PLATTEKLIP GORGE This is probably the best-known route up Table Mountain with beautiful views of the city and ocean from the start to the top. Make no mistake though, it is a steep 3km hike up the mountain that involves climbing a lot of stairs, while coming down can be quite tough on the joints and knees. On the positive side, it’s virtually impossible to get lost. Being out in the “open” it is also one of the safest routes up. The route takes you all the way to the top of the mountain from where you can walk to the cableway and lookout points. The cableway is available for hikers who need a trip down, and tickets should preferably be booked online before the hike. Take warm clothes as the temperature at the bottom can differ markedly from the top of the mountain!

Time: 1.5-3 hours one-way depending on level of fitness and breaks

Explore WOODSTOCK CAVES The hike starts and ends at the Rhodes Memorial or you can also park in the last parking area, past the cable station, on Tafelberg Road on Table Mountain and approach the cave this way. It is considered a fairly easy hike although there is scrambling involved and some of the hike uphill is on exposed terrain which means little shade. It is advised to go in a group as there have been muggings on the contour path.

Time: 1 hour to reach the cave, round trip roughly 3-4 hours

SILVERMINE NATURE RESERVE There are a variety of hikes to enjoy in this Nature Reserve on the top of Ou Kaapse Weg, including an easy hike to the Elephant’s Eye cave, which is a great picnic spot with spectacular views of the Cape Flats and False Bay.

TOKAI FOREST Time: 2 hours for hike to Elephant’s Eye and back

Take the Tokai exit from the M3 highway and follow the signs to find the Tokai Arboretum. Located at the base of Tokai Forest, the Arboretum has a relaxing tea garden. The Tokai Forest Walk is a 4 km long loop. Ideal for family outings and popular with mountain bikers. Entrance fees apply.

CONSTANTIA GREEN BELTS There are a number of trails in the Constantia valley on the eastern side of Table Mountain. They are all easy and great fun for the children to explore (and you can also bring your dog). One of them is the circular trail found in the De Hel Nature area below Rhodes Drive, to the northeast of Constantia Nek. There are also numerous paths to explore and the greenery is so dense that you will almost forget that you are in a city. The 21-hectare natural area has been declared a Provincial Heritage site. Entrance is free.

Time: about 1 hour for circular route

TMNP VISITOR SAFETY TIPS As there have been incidents where hikers were robbed and/or attacked on some of these hikes, TMNP advises that you don’t walk alone and that you have your cell phone on you but leave other valuables at home. Also, the weather on the mountain can change very quickly – always have a warm top with you, wear a hat and ALWAYS take a water bottle.

NEWLANDS FOREST The Newlands Forest, situated on the eastern slopes of the mountain, is very popular with hikers, doglovers, joggers and nature-loving families. Entrance is free but there is a vehicle fee (Wild Card holders excluded). There are four trails that range from easy to moderate. You can walk for hours on end in the forest. The easy trails have interlinking paths with streams between them and beautiful views. Dogs are welcome but owners must be in possession of an activity permit or risk getting fined.

• Please load the TMNP emergency number into your phone before setting off 0861 106 417 or 0861 106 417 or 021 422 1601/2. • Let someone know which route you will follow and when to expect you to return home. • Entry to the park remains at all times at your own risk. • Do not attract unwanted attention by openly displaying cash, cameras or other valuables. • Leave footprints and take photos; leave the Park as you found it.

Explore

DEEP South

You can spend the whole day in Simon's Town, or opt for a weekend staycation, but don’t just go straight for the penguins at Boulder’s Beach (tempting as it is) - take your time to dig a little deeper. We’ve highlighted a few off-thebeaten-track experiences that will have you looking at this village differently.

GHOST WALK Why not find out more about Simon’s Town, its past and its people through a guided tour with a difference? Simon’s Town Ghost Walk is a unique tour through ‘The most haunted little village in South Africa’ - you’ll start from Jubilee Square, head through the town and reach the cemetery, and letting another side of the town reveal itself along the way. Tours start at 6pm, cost R150 and bookings are essential André 0761904081 | @simonstownghostwalk

JUST NUISANCE You might not know about Just Nuisance – the Great Dane who was the only dog to be officially enlisted in the Royal Navy – but after a trip to Simon’s Town, you definitely will! You can find a statue in his memory at Jubilee Square, as well as an exhibition about him at the Simon’s Town Museum, but a lesser known activity is to visit his gravesite above the town on Red Hill. If you get here early enough, you can watch the sun rise over the Simon’s Town harbour.

COME HUNGRY

Five restaurants to try while you're in Simon's Town: * Salty Sea Dog: Fish and chips on the quayside * The Lighthouse Café: Light and airy space for light café bites * Saveur: Contemporary European cuisine served with a view of the harbour * The Sweetest Thing: Delicious cakes and pastries * Blue Door Coffee Roastery: Get your caffeine fix and one of their famous sandwiches

OTHER THINGS TO DO

Simon’s FALSE BAY Town

CAPE TOWN KAYAK

Kayak around the Naval Base Walls to visit the penguins at Boulders 0825018930 Beach.

CAPE TOWN WATER BIKE OCEAN ADVENTURES

Eco-friendly water bikes give you another way to explore the sea, without 083 7771048 getting wet!

BIRD WATCHING TOUR

Get to know the area’s birds with an expert

0217861414

THE SIMON’S TOWN NAVAL MUSEUM

An absolute must visit - children love this museum! 0217874686

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE

So why is Simon’s Town a staycation-worthy spot? We asked local Debbie Smuts from The Grosvenor Guest House & Self Catering for her thoughts: * 40-minute drive from the city or Stellenbosch via beautiful scenic routes * Uncrowded safe, wide open spaces and fresh air * Quaint village with excellent shops * Activities for families that are pocket friendly or free * Excellent accommodation options

ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF MEN’S GROOMING Our Barbers don’t sing. They don’t clap. And they don’t do lunges – unless it’s their day off. Our Sorbet Man crew consists only of trained and qualified industry professionals that put their Sorbet stamp of excellence on every service they deliver. Rest easy, you’re in real good hands.

www.sorbetman.co.za info@sorbetman.co.za 23

Explore

EXPLORE THE

PROTECT

If you’re looking for a way to experience Stellenbosch (other than through its wine that is) then this selection of experiences from the Visit Stellenbosch team is just the ticket. From cycling to snacking, walking tours to art, there’s a lot to discover about this Winelands gem.

The lack of international tourists has hit one of Cape Town’s most important museums particularly hard – and now’s the time to support them.

City of Oaks our history IMAGES: Paul Grendon, District Six Museum

PEDAL POWER

The Adventureshop specialises in activity tours – and one of their most popular are the bicycle tours in the winelands. From a half day historic tour of Stellenbosch to multi-day E-bike tours of the Winelands, it’s time to get on your bike! You can also take a private wine tour, vineyard hike and a 4x4 wine experience – certainly adventurous ways to see the sites. @AdventureshopStellenbosch

KAYAMANDI WALKING TOUR

Take a tour through Kayamandi, the second oldest township in South Africa just outside of Stellenbosch. Guided by the resident tourguides and community members, you’ll get a chance to explore the culture-rich township by foot, while learning and participating in the vibrant day-to-day life of Kayamandi’s residents. @Townshipandvillage

WALK BACK IN TIME

EATING ON THE MOVE

Explore Stellenbosch's shady avenues and Cape Dutch architecture while being regaled with tales from your guide. The town has had many colourful inhabitants over the last three centuries, so you’ll get a chance to find out their stories as well as interesting facts and fables @Stellenboschonfoot about the town's past.

One of the best ways to explore a region is through its cuisine, so why not take a guided walking tour that connects you with the heart and soul of Stellenbosch’s fantastic foodie culture! Small groups embark on guided half day tours to explore the town centre, sample authentic Cape flavours or visit trendy artisans for a taste of their wares – just choose a tour @bitesandsites that best suits your appetite.

WINELANDS ART

Take in the public and private art collections at Stellenbosch’s wine estates, as well as art galleries, sculpture gardens, museums and art studios, all while enjoying top-notch wines. Stops include the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, Spier, Rupert Museum and Glenelly. The tours will also give you the opportunity to meet some of the artists in their workspaces and studios, while stopping for tastings and lunch (cost of lunch not included). @sipsandsights

Before its destruction by the Apartheid government, the area known as District Six was a vibrant community. The District Six Museum shares the stories of the residents who lived there, representing a diverse mix of languages, origins and trades. The Museum reconnects you to the suburb and the more than 60 000 people that were forcibly removed, their houses flattened, once the area was declared white under the Group Areas Act. “All Capetonians live with the legacy of racial classification and the spatial apartheid introduced by the Group Areas Act,” says Chrischené Julius of the District Six Museum. “The Museum is a poignant window to what a cosmopolitan community looked like, before Apartheid took its toll, and it’s a great lesson that our stories, as written by ourselves, matter. Knowing the past and learning from it happens through shared storytelling.” The Museum is described as a living memorial rather than a static display by Vincent Kolbe, ex-resident of District Six and founding member of the museum. It’s a rich visual experience that asks visitors to engage with its exhibits, and that documents and shares insights into District Six life. “The Museum has a beautiful mural by artist Peggy Delport called, ‘No matter where we are, we are here’. The mural depicts the stories of the restitution process, but also the memories of living in District Six,” says Chrischené. “Visitors are encouraged to touch the mural and feel the artwork!” Another space that Chrischené recommends is ‘Nomvuyo’s Room’ in District Six, which also depicts the living conditions of many families in the area by drawing on the life history of Nomvuyo Ngcelwane, who grew up in Cross Street in the District.

Get involved

The museum is open for self-guided visits or with an ex-resident guide, and you can also take a guided site walk. Museum Entrance fee: R45 (R60 with ex-resident guide) Museum + guided site visit: R110 (R140 with snack) 25A Buitenkant Street www.districtsix.co.za 09h00 – 16h00, Mondays – Saturdays 021 466 7200

Explore

Get your

FEET WET Explore the Cape's incredible kelp forests and discover a hidden world under the sea.

Based in Simon’s Town, Pisces Divers has curated a host of experiences that will help you to explore this hidden world – from swimming with seals and exploring the kelp forests, hunting down shipwrecks and taking a Cape Point safari. Certified divers are well catered for, as are those who would rather snorkel, which means that all have an opportunity to experience this incredible side of Cape Town. “I have dived all over the world, mostly in warm water when I was living and working overseas, and I still think that despite the chilly waters, Cape Town dives are some of the best I have done,” says Jacqui Mance, the booking manager from Pisces Divers. “Our reefs are alive with soft, healthy corals. We might not have the different coloured fish of tropical waters, but we have schools of fish that add life to the reef. We also have lots of smaller critters like the nudibranches that divers love to go looking for along with the octopus and other critters. Our

sea urchins are also a variety of colour which adds to the reef life and diversity. Jacqui recommends the seal dive experience near Miller’s Point, where you get to interact with Cape Fur seals while diving and snorkelling. “You’ll get to see exactly why we call them the clowns of the ocean!” she says. “Not only do they play and interact with us with their big curious eyes, dive bombing and turning at the last minute, but we also explore the reef that’s loaded with life – while in turn being explored and investigated by the seals!” You can make a full day of it and explore the kelp forest as well. “It is the most amazing, almost mystical place,” says Jacqui. “The kelp are like big trees swaying back and forth with the sea motion and there’s also lots of life – big schools of fish and other smaller shark species that hang in the kelp. This is the true wonder of Cape Town.”

Get involved @piscesdiversct 021 786 3799 | www.piscesdivers.co.za

Those driving down Loop Street might notice that the building on the corner looks a little different! That’s thanks to artist Waynebks of Baz-Art, who created this incredible mural that pays tribute to South Africa’s wine industry. The project was the brainchild of Sarah Krone of Robinson & Sinclair Wine Shop, which is situated just opposite, to help shed light on the #SaveSAWine campaign. The mural is laden with imagery and colours that are significant to SA’s wine world. The sugarbird sitting atop a pink protea is a nod to the longstanding partnership between the wine industry and the conservation sector through WWF South Africa, and the industry’s ongoing transformation through the SA Wine Industry Transformation Unit is featured in the image of a strong, self-confident woman – with light shining on her face to indicate a bright future ahead. @savesawine.co.za | @savesawine.co.za | @robinson_sinclair savesawine.co.za | robinson-sinclair.co.za Images: Jarred Vosges, Baz-Art