When thinking of Khayelitsha, many quickly revert to ideas of high crime rates and unemployment. But there is more to this township than meets the eye, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Lucille Dyosi.
It is the second-largest township in South Africa and a thriving entrepreneurial economic hub. It’s also a lifestyle and entertainment hotspot in Cape Town, popular with local and international travellers.
Indeed, the saying, “Uzoyithola kanjan uhleli ekoneni” – loosely translated to how will you get it if you are sitting around waiting? – truly embodies Khayelitsha’s youth with the spirit to make things happen and change the narrative through entrepreneurship.
Here are some of the spots putting Khayelitsha on the map.
1. ABCD Concepts
Founded by Buntu Matole and Ayanda Cuba, ABCD Concepts is a tourism start-up based in Khayelitsha with the mission to represent cultural experiences while fostering a learning opportunity for people and businesses within local communities through physical activities.
They offer services in:
- Runkasi: a9km jogging route stretching from the most recent and modern spaces to some of the oldest areas in the community.
- Cycling:a guided cycle tour route which includes visits to local entrepreneurs and learning more about the history and the origins of the community.
- Educational:based on the visitors’ interests, guides customise an experience specifically dedicated to their group.
2. Vuma Bin Club
Specifically focused on the Khayelitsha community, Vuma Bin Club, founded by Buhle Sithela is a side hustle meant to prevent the youth of Khayelitsha from the dangers of the street.
They offer an R100 monthly cleaning fee to households in the community to help disinfect and eliminate germs inside the wheelie bins.
3. Rands Lifestyle
If you are looking for good sundowners with friends then Rands Lifestyle would be the perfect place as it offers a premium Chisa Nyama and entertainment attraction. Rands boasts a multi-faceted venue, heaven for good music, food, and quality entertainment.
In addition, they also offer some of their signature meat dishes accompanied by real township-inspired sides like the popular chakalaka, creamy spinach, and pap, which will have your palate shouting for more. Not only the place brings entertainment but it boasts the township economy with over 50 youth hired.
4. The Milk Restaurant and Bar
The Milk Restaurant & Champagne Bar offers a semi-fine-dining experience in a contemporary and modern setting. The ground floor has been dedicated to a liquor store, the first floor is home to the restaurant and bar, with the third floor or rooftop area is a premium lounge space overlooking Khayelitsha’s landscape.
They also have a menu offering what can be described as a “quintessential African dining experience” with a bit of a twist. They were hit hard by the lockdown with staff losing jobs, but have recently relaunched.
5. Space Hotel
You can book a night at the first luxury hotel to open in Khayelitsha, the Space Hotel is owned by Annette Skaap and situated just 24 km away from Cape Town International airport. It is set to accommodate guests, locals, and internationals, to experience the “other side” of Cape Town and far more beyond the city.
The aim is to experience cultural diversity and vibrant township life while enjoying class and opulence at a grassroots level.
With the developments of the hotel, Skaap wants to help expand the township economy by creating employment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Pictures: Courtesy of establishments
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