Craig and Robynne take us on a tour unlike any other in this week’s excursion of Brews and Views. They explore neighbourhood treasures from within and beyond Mitchells Plain. And true to the Brews and Views form, it is always an experience packed with a dose of culture, a dash of community and of course the vibrant people in and around Mitchells Plain. Their first stop is the well-known, community upliftment organisation called the YMCA.
YMCA (YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION)
We meet Justin Barends who resides in Mitchells Plain - he takes us on a tour on the YMCA grounds and gives us a look into what makes this space ideal for engaging youth at a deeper level.
We see pictures and paintings mounted up along the walls of different rooms. These visuals give the tourist a glimpse into the history and culture of the coloured people. The District Six Museum setting, tells the story of the birth place of much of what we know as Cape Coloured culture today. A unique art gallery, where each room is devoted to showcasing a different part of Coloured history - other themes include, the fishing industry of people on the Cape Flats, and also the Khoisan culture.
In one of the rooms, we see a raw expression of gangsterism and drug abuse which is prevalent on the Cape Flats. Cleverly, the opposite wall is a memento of Coloured heroes (Allan Boesak, YoungstaCPT, Ashley Kriel and the like) who have overcome similar hardships to forge a new way and contributed to the triumphs in our nation’s history. This juxtaposition is an all-encompassing tribute to what lies at the heart of Coloured identity, celebrating what we are proud of, and also acknowledging what we need to change.
Part of the diversion programme at the YMCA, is a close-to-life jail cell room that stands as a warning post to young people who may have lost their way.
Justin says “the YMCA poses something a little different, because we touch on everything as far as the Coloured history [...] it kinda brings the people back here because they don’t have to travel outside of the Cape Flats to experience this thing.”
The work of this organisation is to inspire and reflect on how communities are adding value to the society. What a remarkable way to celebrate, educate and motivate our youth.
The next stop is My Cape Town Market in Cape Town’s Company Gardens, where our hosts connect with Shahim Meyer, a local entrepreneur from Mitchell’s Plain.
THE FOOD MISTRO
The Food Mistro, is a family-owned business run by two brothers. The Brews and Views team chats to Shahim on how it all started.
Shahim, dad of three, has found a gap in the street food market. He explains how diverse Mitchells Plain is when it comes to food and how the inspiration behind Food Mistro was to put an original spin on common street food meals.
He took to the food truck industry after his wife encouraged him to share his love for cooking.
Shahim has since created scrumptious flavours that are tangy, sweet and spicy and a feast for both the eyes and belly.
As a halaal business, Shahim says they are open to incorporating other dietary restrictions like gluten-free or vegan preferences.
Amina Meyer, Shahim’s second-born, tells us that working with her father is a rewarding experience. It is not, however, without its challenges since travelling in a food truck with the fluctuating temperatures and pace of keeping up with all the orders is no easy feat - this needs a certain level of skill ; but it is all-in-all a fun experience.
Get your tastebuds tantalised at 1 Avocado Street, Mitchells Plain, where The Food Mistro is located.
The Tiger Academy of Martial Arts, a martial arts school focusing on the Chinese Kenpo system, is based in Rocklands Mitchells Plain. Their training is very effective in real-life situations. Let’s explore exactly how this martial arts form impacts the morale of those who practise it.
TIGER ACADEMY OF MARTIAL ARTS
Martial arts is an excellent way to become aware of your surroundings, to be on guard and also to protect yourself against potential danger.
Cobe Jephta, a 7 degree black belt in the Kenpo karate system and who runs the academy, talks about how karate is an antidote against gender based violence which is prevalent on the Cape Flats. It offers different packages for those who are interested. He says “we have small packages for [tourists] [...] with the situations [..] in South Africa that they will be facing - we have awareness programmes [in that regard].”
Zaid Kariem Hendricks, a 3rd degree black belt shares the profound impact that this practice has had on her personal life. She lovingly talks about how karate helped with her short temper and boosted her confidence. It is a way of teaching humility and to adapt to your surroundings with grace.
Karate brings discipline, a calm mind and increases mental focus. No wonder it is strongly recommended by those who are already seeing its amazing benefits in their own lives.
If this sounds like an opportunity for you to do some inner work and personal development, find The Tiger Academy of Martial Arts in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain.
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