If you are an adrenaline junkie, or just want an enriching experience, then this week’s episode is for you! Join Robynne and Craig as they move around the Westridge Tourism precinct to hunt for spaces and places that pique your lust for adventure.
This week the Brews & Views team travels to Strandfontein, a suburb just outside Mitchells Plain.We meet the founder of the community-based project which empowers youth to learn new skills through a variety of activities. Let’s check it out.
THE 9 MILES PROJECT
The 9 Miles Project “is a social venture that creates safe spaces” as founder Nigel Savel puts it. Nigel together with his wife, created structured after school programmes to combat the noise of negative influences in young people’s lives. Nigel says the scourge of destructive elements on the youth in Cape Town, motivated him to make safety a top priority in this venture.
As we move through the space in Strandfontein, we see cool blues with underwater creatures happily swimming in the murals against the wall. The comfortable poufs give an instant sense of comfort and relaxation to the interior.
Nigel says all of this was intentional, so that when anyone, especially a young person enters, they can feel welcomed and at ease, a judgement free zone in which to express themselves.
This project has an especially unique application process. A child needs to be at least ten years old to join and needs to submit a self-written letter declaring how she or he wants to improve their lives, and this serves as a contract and also a standard to which they hold themselves as they venture on their 9 Miles journey. If at any point, they veer off course, this letter stands as a reminder and testament to why they wanted to join in the first place.
Surfing is the main enterprise and is led by the youth who have gone through the programme. Surfing, being a very expensive sport, is made accessible and inclusive to at-risk youth in the community.
9 Miles even attracts international volunteers who want to participate in youth development and upliftment. What an amazing venture!
At the heart of this project lies the persistence of people who saw the dire state of our communities, and wanted to bring about positive and impactful change. Drop by Strandfontein Pavilion, to get a firsthand experience of the heartwarming and purpose-driven energy so characteristic of 9 Miles.
SPOTS AND SCENERY
Strandfontein Pavilion, home to the 9 Miles Project also boasts some interesting facts and spots. It has the largest tidal pool in the Southern Hemisphere and was the location for one of the scenes in the iconic Free Willy movie.
It also has a spot called Fisherman’s Lane, where fishing enthusiasts can pull out their lines and toss it into the sea to hopefully land a catch for the day. Right opposite, you can find an area for the entire family to enjoy, with braai amenities and a playground for kids, or those young at heart. The perfect location for the perfect day out in the gorgeous Capetonian summer sun.
Another beautiful stop in the Westridge Tourism precinct is the Westridge Gardens. In 2010, a rose garden was planted and has since bloomed with enchanting colours and alluring scents. Experience this wonder of nature, as you take a stroll through the walkways surrounded by many other plant species including the celebrated Cape Fynbos, Visitors are welcome to cycle and the garden is equipped for people with all abilities, making it safe and inclusive.
Westridge Gardens is also an exquisite wedding location for lovebirds who want to make it official.
Further to the centre of Westridge, the team visits the RLabs Café, the first of its kind in the community. We pop in for a quick coffee run and chat to the baristas and visitors.
RLABS CAFÉ
Amiena and Nabeel, RLabs Café champions, chat to Robynne and Craig about the vibes and culture of the café. Nabeel says “it’s not only exclusive to people from Mitchells Plain, even if you are from our local [...] communities or even further off, and you would like to come join us and experience the RLabs culture, you are more than welcome to come join us.” Even though the target market is between 17-35 years of age, it is a space for all ages to connect, whether to enjoy the scrumptious menu, connect with peers or even finish some work in a new environment, this café welcomes you.
The menu is proudly Capetonian with things like rotis or koeksisters that will instantly remind you of Cape Town and if you’re from outside of Cape Town, the flavours will give you a taste of the vibrant, diverse food culture in the city.
The delectable coffee is sourced both locally and internationally, and you’re spoilt for choice with aromas as far as Kenya or as close as Khayelitsha.
Nabeel explains that, for the tourist, coming to the RLabs Café is a memorable experience as it gives insight into what life is really like on the Cape Flats, since the space connects a lot of international tourists to the community of Mitchells Plain.
Amiena tells us that the artwork displayed in and around this trendy coffee spot, is the work of local artists. By showcasing their work here, it contributes to their livelihood and also gives them exposure on a local and international platform with the influx of the international community through RLabs’ global interactions.
Craig chats to some locals who are visiting and what they love about the café is that the vibe is amazing, the food is delicious. For the working visitors, the buzzing atmosphere keeps them motivated and ready to take on the new year.
Mitchells Plain is a large, thriving community with amazing people. Get an authentic experience of this region by visiting any of the gems explored in this week’s adventure. You will be inspired, nourished and motivated, that’s the Mitchells Plain guarantee.
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