SEED
SEED is a small public benefits organisation with a vision of contributing to city-wide resilience by inspiring and skilling people. Although most of their work is centred around gardens, SEED believes that change happens through people – it is capacitated people that make lasting change.
Their work is guided by the permaculture principles: people care, Earth care and surplus share. SEED is systems-aware and believe in collaboration and adaptive learning. SEED is based in Mitchells Plain on the Cape Flats, outside of Cape Town.
Website: seed.org.za
Uthando (Love) South Africa
Uthando South Africa is a non-profit company with fair trade in tourism accreditation. Uthando, meaning ‘love’, offers both daily scheduled tours and tailor-made private tours to suit particular philanthropic interests such as urban agriculture, animal welfare, special needs education, assistance to refugees, the environment, and more. Funds raised through the project are put to a number of community development initiatives in South Africa.
Uthando’s philanthropic cultural tours take guests to the projects that receive funding and assistance from Uthando and its benefactors, giving visitors insight to into the remarkable stories of South Africans in need.
Website: uthandosa.org
ABCD Concepts
ABCD Concepts is lifestyle marketing tourism start-up based in the heart of Khayelitsha. Their mission is to express the experiences and interactions of people and businesses within communities through physical activity. Cycling, running or jogging your way through a Cape Town township is the best way to meet the locals and enjoy all the colour and vibrancy of township living.
If you love cycling or simply exploring different communities in an unconventional way, come and explore the beautiful community of Khayelitsha on a bicycle and travel through some of its famous streets and iconic places. You will also get an opportunity to taste local cuisine, visit local entrepreneurs and learn about the township’s history.
Website: abcd-concepts.co.za
4Roomed eKasi Culture
With the aim of bridging the economic gap that exists in South Africa, Abigail Mbalo, a Dental Technologist turned cook/ “Chef”, opened the door to a culinary experience offered in the township of Khayelitsha – focusing on two dining experiences. Maskhoz Mas’Damme fine dining- where township cuisine is prepared with methods and techniques that elevate the flavours whilst offering theatre on a plate. They tell their township stories through food.
Mphako|Padkos|Mofao is casual dining where a 3-course culinary experience is inspired by foods mostly found in the townships and coupled with influences of other South African cultures.
Website: 4roomedekasiculture.com
Ubizo Events and Tours
Ubizo Events & Tours provide township tours of Cape Town, giving visitors an opportunity to experience some of the unique cultures of this incredible city. You will be able to explore the townships of Langa, the oldest township in the Mother City, and Gugulethu as well. Here, you will enjoy the culture of Ubuntu, traditional music and local South African food.
The trip will be designed so that you will take part in a genuine engagement with the communities, all the while learning about the history and social significance of these diverse settlements. It is all designed on a “homestay” system, ensuring you receive the most authentic experience possible.
Website: ubizo-sa.co.za
Makukhanye Art Room
Theatre4Change, a non-profit group, is based in Khayelitsha and works with a diverse range of community participants and artists in creating an artistic platform and educational opportunities for young people. It was established in 2010 by Mandisi Shindo. The Theatre4Change team also includes Mbulelo Grootboom, Zanele Siko Radu, Khayalethu Anthony and Asanda Rolityana.
Residents are currently rehearsing and performing in a small, self-built ‘shack theater’— the Makukhanye Art Room. The venue is an increasingly important gathering space for dramatic productions, dance recitals, educational workshops, mentorship programs and community meetings.
Website: makukhanyeartroom.com
Juma Township Art Tours
Founded in 2012 by Juma Mkwela, Township Art Tours provides art workshops in different townships, street art tours within Woodstock and Khayelitsha, as well as a range of other fun activities to discover the best and truest scenery of Cape Town. Public art says something about the community. It says: this is who we are; this is what we think; this is where we came from and this is what we want. Township Art Tours hopes to shine a light in Khayelitsha on those hopes and dreams.
Website: townshiparttours.co.za
ikhaya le Langa
ikhaya Le Langa NPC (the house of Sun) is a not-for-profit organization in Langa, the oldest historically Black township in the Western Cape. It is from here that ikhaya le Langa is revitalizing the Langa Quarter, an area of 13 streets comprising five hundred homes housing approximately 7,000 people. Strategically located in the geographic center of Cape Town Municipality and midway between the Airport, and the Central Business District, the Langa Quarter has the potential to be a new heart for the post-Apartheid city of Cape Town.
Website: ikhayalelanga.co.za
Lelapa
Lelapa, which means ‘the home’, was established in October 1999 in Langa, when Sheila and Monica Mahloane (mother and daughter) converted their home in order to seize an entrepreneurial opportunity. They saw all the tourists’ buses driving past the township on the way to the winelands and their idea was to create a restaurant serving tradition township cuisine and to invite guests to experience a bit of township life.
Lelapa’s focus is on providing guests with a great ambiance and an authentic township experience.
Website: lelapa.co.za
