In their journey to discovering neighbourhood gems, the eager hosts of Brews & Views come across untapped parts of the Westridge community in Mitchells Plain. You would assume that there is only so much you could find in one place, but it seems this neighbourhood keeps on giving. In this week’s excursion Mr Pres and Robynne introduce us to tourism experiences that are at the forefront of changing how we interact with local entrepreneurs and how we as the consumers can not only buy from them but also participate in the adventure of that experience.
LOOP
Loop has redefined what taxi business means. They have found a way to use the very concerns our communities have about taxis as fuel to create a modern, and highly efficient minibus service. But how have they done this?
Loop is a tech start-up that allows commuters to travel with minibuses in a safe, secure and seamless manner. Imtiyaaz Riley (CEO - Loop), explains that what makes Loop unique, is that their minibuses and their drivers are identifiable by an online presence. This is the first of its kind in Cape Town. They have partnered with a company called Safer as a collaborative safety measure to ensure that their passengers have the security they need when travelling. Commuting is integral to the tourist’s experience, so what does Loop offer to enrich their experience?
THE EXPERIENCE
The Loop tourism experience features the culture of the Westridge region and Loop CXO Thurston Wyngaard chats to Grant Johnson (Head of Westridge Tourism) about one such feature: graffiti. Graffiti is an integral part of art expression for the people of Cape Town. Lodged against a wall, this art form gives vent to the emotions of a collective. Artists paint their ideology, their protest, their visions onto blank concrete. The wall becomes the place where their audience can interact with them around those very things. Graffiti is conversational art. Grant enlightens us on the message of the mural in the background by SethOne, one of Mitchells Plain’s local graffiti artists. The mural is imbued with violets, blues with contrasting graphics of a boy running from a township-scape towards the sign HOPE. Along his path, books are strewn in a line leading up to lenses which reflect brighter, new roads. The message implies that anyone can forge a new path for themselves if they equip themselves with the right tools. There is hope in a renewed perception of the world and also yourself.
Loop also does coffee stops around the precinct where you can refuel for your journey ahead.
MITCHELLS PLAIN COMMUNITY MARKET
There’s nothing like a local market to lift your spirits with its street food and quaint little stalls that offer one-of-a-kind products. Of course, Westridge does not disappoint when it comes to exhibiting local entrepreneurs’ talent and skill.
Lucretia Jardini, a Mitchells Plain local, is the CEO of the Mitchells Plain Entrepreneurs hub, let’s take a tour around the monthly marketplace which is one of her initiatives. From vendors who sell services to those who sell products, the market invites visitors to get a peek into what the community has to offer.
The Olive Exchange is a publishing house whose main goal is to publish children’s stories, written by children. The books display playful characters with uplifting messages to inspire young avid readers.
Pètor Creatives Youth Development is another organisation you can catch at the market. A mentorship service to entrepreneurs in the community, helping them advance in their business ideas and passion.
Lucretia says: “We need to have that recognition, we need to be proud of where we are from. Instead of us going out of our areas to go on tours, we want to bring the people to Mitchells Plain.”
The Mitchells Plain Community market takes place monthly at the Dagbreek Hall in Westridge. It welcomes entrepreneurs to build relationships with their clientele and also with those market-goers looking to experience a refreshing day out.
Robynne, our host sat down with Ashley Potts (Ward Councillor, Ward 81 - Mitchells Plain). He enthusiastically expresses that one of his main goals is to see Westridge become a leading tourist precinct in Cape Town. He says: “People, ownership, making things work for themselves, tourism brings that to life.”
This week’s journey into the neighbourhood of Westridge has left us feeling inspired and hopeful. This vibrant community of entrepreneurs with innovative ideas are growing their city’s economy and giving tourists the opportunity to dream and tour with them on their adventures.
To keep up with this new tourism show: Brews & Views and learn more about local gems you can experience in Westridge, Mitchells Plain, follow the Westridge Tourism Precinct on social media.
Facebook: Westridge Tourism
Instagram: @westridge_tourism
Threads: @westridge_tourism
TikTok: @westridgetourismprecinct
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