CITYVIEWS
YOUR FREE CAPE TOWN CENTRAL CITY PAPER
April 2012
Photo: Lisa Burnell
THE CITY STREET M IS YOUR CLASSROO
Cape Town as a
SMART CITY
The creative campus at 11 Adderley
Living the
Mandela Rhodes way of life
>> page 3
CLEAN | SAFE | CAR I NG
>> page 4&5
Kid-friendly Cape Town
>> page 6&11
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about
town
CityViews
Cape Town’s big investment opportunity? Its people I recently saw an advertisement for a GPS system that read: “You’re not stuck in traffic. You are traffic.” And it got me thinking. So often when we think of cities, we envision a skyline – big buildings and highways. But Cape Town is so much more than its infrastructure and the built environment. People are the real fabric of this city – and it’s our people who give Cape Town Central City a texture like no other place in the world. So for our April edition of City Views, focusing on education, let me encourage you to invest in the fabric and texture of Cape Town.
Invest in people How do we become smarter, more sustainable, more connected as a
city? We become smarter, more sustainable, more connected ourselves. Cape Town’s greatest resource is not something we mine out of the ground, or fish out of the sea, or build into the sky: it’s our people. Take time to connect with the people who make your day in the CBD happen: The cleaners, the parking guards, the man or woman behind the counter, the informal traders. Take time to talk to your colleagues, ask them how their day is going, find out about their most recent project or their families. Take an interest in the people and the place around you. By becoming closer to the people around you, you’ll be surprised how much your world expands.
CITYVIEWS Published by: The Central City Improvement District (CCID)
Editor:
Invest in the city
Judith Browne: 021 419 1881 judith@capetownpartnership.co.za
If you love to live in Cape Town, then love it enough to learn more about it. Educate yourself on our many city histories, who lives here, who came before. Take ownership for the place you live in. Be a part of community forums and public discussions. Get in touch with your local councillor, not just for complaints, but also for compliments and ideas. Be the change you want to see on the city streets. It’s by investing in our people, and by all of us being more community minded, that we ensure the livelihood of our city.
Address: Terraces Building, 10th floor 34 Bree Street,
Website: www.capetowncid.co.za www.capetownpartnership.co.za
Design: Infestation www.infestation.co.za 021 461 8601
The Central City Improvement District is a private-public partnership formed by the property owners of a defined geographical area to provide top-up services over and above what the City of Cape Town provides. The CCID and its managing agent, the Cape Town Partnership, were formed when the City of Cape Town, the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA), the Cape Town Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other stakeholders came together to address issues of urban degeneration, disinvestment in the Central City and related social problems. The Central City’s rapid regeneration process has been built upon the strength and pillars of successful private-public partnerships at both operational and strategic levels, and a shared vision for a clean, safe and caring Cape Town CBD.
Tasso Evangelinos COO of the CCID
CARING CITY
Go in groups: Group outings are much more fun – and far safer – than going it alone. Stay in touch: Always let a family member or trusted friend know where you’re going.
Stash it: Keep your bag closed and don’t flash your valuable possessions. Look after the things you value (including yourself).
Know your numbers (and don’t be afraid to use them): • Emergencies (from a landline): 107 • Emergencies (from a cellphone): 112 • Police: 10111 • Ambulance: 10177 • Fire Department: 021 535 1100 • Metro Police: 021 596 1999 • Cape Town Police Station: 021 467 8002 If you’re in the CBD • CCID Security Manager: 082 453 2943 • CCID 24-Hour Number: 082 442 2112
Gratitude Attitude Everyday acts of kindness help transform Cape Town, and City Views would like to recognise those individuals who would otherwise continue doing good, but without thanks. For more than 10 years the soft-spoken Captain Ezra October has been empowering young people through education. His quiet demeanour, an odd trait for a man who makes a living from communicating, seems like it would make for a struggle when it comes to teaching kids and teens about safety, but don’t be fooled. He defies his tacit personality and breaks into song – an action that turns out to be as surprising as it is useful – along with puppet shows, sports days, safety videos and more, songs are just one of the many talents Ezra uses to drive home his messages.
SAVE THESE NUMBERS ON YOUR PHONE CCID Security Manager: 082 453 2942
“We want to give young people the power to do more to help themselves, and that starts with knowing the right people to get in touch with, and how these people are capable of helping.” Ezra, to you (and your backup singers at SAPS) – thank you for taking time to teach our youngest citizens!
CCID Deputy Security Manager: 082 442 2112 CCID 24-hour number: 082 415 7127 SAPS Control Room: 021 467 8002 Social Department: 082 563 4289
Telling your story in City Views
Is there someone who has transformed your experience of the city? Write to us and tell us about it.
Photo: Lisa Burnell
Streetsmart: How students can stay safe in the city
April 2012
Captain Ezra October
Shaping the literary landscape
City Views does not sell advertising or editorial space at this time. We are, however, always on the look out for city ownership stories: tales of people who love the CBD, who choose to live, work, study, invest, and play here. If you would like to be featured, please send your story to judith@capetownpartnership.co.za for consideration. Please note that submission of a story doesn’t guarantee that it will be included.
Distributing City Views If you’re an eager reader of City Views – and you know others who would enjoy reading it too, consider becoming a distributor. All we need is your contact details, address and how many copies you need each month. Or, if you would just like to track down where you can obtain your FREE copy send an email to Aziza Patandin on aziza@capetownpartnership.co.za.
During Library Week, the Central Library encouraged people to come have their photo taken with their favourite book. Find them on Facebook for more.
Reading City Views
CITY VIEWS ONLINE Read the latest e-dition: www.capetownpartnership.co.za/city-views Photo: Christo van Wyk
Friend us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/CityViewsCapeTown Follow us on Twitter: @City_Views Gamiedah Adams in her reading space, her happy place – her local library
We love knowing who our readers are and what they think. If you enjoy your copy of City Views, why not mail a picture of you reading it, wherever you love to read it (Your local coffee shop? On a street bench while people-watching?) telling us what you enjoyed most. If we like it, we’ll run it. Get in touch: judith@capetownpartnership.co.za.
April 2012
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CityViews
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CREATIVE SPACE
11 Adderley Street:
By: Alan Cameron
“I
nnovation training is ideally centred in a creative hub. The city centre and The Fringe represents this energy,” says Jan Horn, campus principal at Vega Cape Town. “There’s a vibrancy here. We wanted to be part of the international trend that is seeing creativity condense in the centre of cities.” Being able to take better advantage of what the city is investing in, just through location, argues Jan, is important to the school and beneficial to the students. The Vega teaching philosophy, of combining “wisdom with magic” centres on design-led problem solving. “We found that, along with the creative skills involved in making the best brands, an important element was strategic thinking and an understanding of how to approach problems. Look at the creative direction the city is heading in, not just with The Fringe, but also with the World Design Capital 2014 project and Design Indaba. Both are centred on design that solves real problems with solutions that are original, practical, implementable and sustainable. These efforts, besides from helping turn Cape Town into the design hub of South Africa, define our approach.” As part of their third year, students are required to undergo an internship with a firm in the industry. The majority of these
“There’s a vibrancy here. We wanted to be part of the international trend that is seeing creativity condense in the centre of cities.” Jan Horn
students are employed within a few months of graduation. Collaboration and integration at 11 Adderley
Vega’s new campus setting required 2 300m² of customisable floor space, and needed to be firmly situated on the city’s creative pulse. 11 Adderley is a newly renovated space that meets both of those needs. The centrality, accessibility and healthy environment of the building further aided the decision to move. “Many students catch the train into town, and many others use the MyCiTi bus network. It is no surprise that Cape Town is currently seeing a reverse in the trend of many cities across the world,” explains Jan. “People are moving back into the city centre to live and work instead of out to the suburbs. This is happening as people experience the vibrancy and potential of an inner city and want to be part of that.” Knowing that the other large tenant of 11 Adderley is 24.com
also attracted Vega to the building. “Students now have the opportunity to rub shoulders with employees of a company who typically employs large numbers of young South Africans equipped with creative industry skills. It’s healthy for them to get a larger perspective of the working world while studying.” 24.com moved to 11 Adderley Street in 2010 as the space on offer fitted with the company culture –of collaboration and integration. With large sections of open plan office space on four storeys of the building, the online publisher is set up in a way that enables their various online units to create a digital campus, says General Manager Geoff Cohen. “Obviously the location is convenient for the staff in terms of proximity to public transport, and for the business, as the Media24 head office is down the road in Heerengracht Street,” he says. “Public transport saves staff time, money and emotional energy as they aren’t so drained after fighting with traffic during their commute,” notices Aybri du Plooy, 24.com facilities manager. “You can actually see it in their faces if staff took public transport to work or not. Previously I turned down jobs because they required me to work in town; I regret that now. “Town is a great place to work
and, personally, I’ve caught the trains as late as 19h30 and have never had a problem with safety.” Solutions Architect Dave Mackie agrees, although he would like to have more healthy lunch options nearby, “KFC, Nando’s and McDonalds are nearby and sometimes they’re just too tempting to refuse.”
Tap into Vega’s new breed of brand thinkers Vega in Cape Town 11 Adderley Street T: 021 461 8089 @VegaSchool www.vegaschool.com Check out Media24’s many information arms www.media24.com
Jan Horn is the campus principal for Vega Cape Town
WATCH THIS SPACE
Shaping Bree Street’s skyline Cape Town’s skyline will add another up-tick with the opening of the Bowman Gilfillan building on 22 Bree Street. The large law firm is set to take most of the office space available in the 22 storey building when it is complete in August 2013, says Abland’s project manager Gustav Gouws. The building design contains Abland sustainability measures to reduce maintenance and operation costs as well as to help lighten the building’s impact on the environment.
Image supplied by Abland
Vega is a tertiary level institution that helps the strategically and creatively inclined become creative professionals who specialise in developing and maintaining strong, healthy brands. Their Cape Town campus is on the third floor of 11 Adderley Street. What brought this creative school into the city centre in time for the 2012 academic year?
Photos: Lisa Burnell
Creative campus and digital domain
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CityViews
April 2012
INNER-CITY LIFE
Living and investing in the city The rooftop pool and the beautiful city vistas aren’t the only reason Richard Boxford, managing director for property agency Life Residential, and his team recently moved into Mandela Rhodes Place. By: Alan Cameron
“The vibrancy of the place is really appealing, especially to younger professionals who are excited about the live-work-play combination.”
“M
andela Rhodes Place does offer a premier residential lifestyle … ” Richard concedes, but says the reason for their move has more to do with their long association with the building and the CBD: Life Residential has kept the Central City as its sole business focus for six years, and is responsible for more than 60% of the sales in Mandela Rhodes Place itself.
The word on the street
The ground floor of Mandela Rhodes Place is part of the pedestrian life of the city; a Doppio Zero restaurant spills out onto St George’s Mall, catering to hungry passersby and patrons. Even in the quiet moments of the city, the lobby area of Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel contains the sounds of guests returning from an evening meeting or a night out on Long Street. “The vibrancy of the place is really appealing, especially to younger professionals who are excited about the live-work-play combination presented to those staying in the Central City. By far the most common experience is that people who live in town, work in town. The opportu-
nity to come down from your apartment and walk to work, a restaurant or anything else you want to do in the city is a tempting proposition for buyers,” says Richard. The Earth Food Market every Thursday is one such event that brings upper St George’s Mall to the boil with delicious food and hungry patrons. Walking the talk
“We walk between the various properties on our books when we have viewings, and some prospective clients, especially those from Joburg or the older generation who haven’t been into town for ten years, keep looking over their shoulders. Having clients understand that town is clean and safe makes selling easier. In fact we wouldn’t be in business if the CBD wasn’t as well-managed as it is. The infrastructure upgrades also add to the value of Central City property – the St George’s MyCiTi bus stop makes an already very walkable city centre even more accessible for us,” notes Richard. Frank Gormley of Eurocape, the developers of Mandela Rhodes Place and owners of several units in it, say they found the building empty in 2003. “In fact, 70% of the buildings in that area were
“Two future trends of the city are the increased availability of affordable residential properties – another 40 000 people could be living in the inner city. Secondly, the creative district on the east side of the city, aided by the growing momentum of World Design Capital 2014, is now the place to be. Frank Gormley
empty. The downtown area was in severe decline at the time – some said terminal decline. Hotels used to warn guests from going into the Central City, now, they encourage them to do just that. “The Mandela Rhodes Foundation’s faith in the project has been rewarded and our good working relationship with the foundation continues. Today Cape Town is a living, vibrant and safe city that will go from strength to strength.” Trends for future Cape Town
“Two future trends of the city are the increased
availability of affordable residential properties – another 40 000 people could be living in the inner city. Secondly, the creative district on the east side of the city, aided by the growing momentum of World Design Capital 2014, is now the place to be. Eurocape is working on Parliament Place in Roeland Street at the moment. Cape Town is seen internationally as one of the leading design cities of the world and The Fringe will benefit hugely from that understanding,” says Frank. “The Fringe resembles what upper St George’s looked like eight years ago, with the same potential. Cape Town can expect to see large investments in that area.”
Want to live or invest in the city? Life Residential Corner of Wale Street and St George’s Mall T: 021 424 3969 www.liferes.co.za Eurocape 85 St George’s Mall T: 021 426 4759 www.eurocape.co.za
Photos: Lisa Burnell
Richard Boxford
Top: Rooftop of Mandela Rhodes Place Above: Richard Boxford reading his copy of City Views
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE Eurocape run The Rainbow Academy, which selects 30 disadvantaged matriculants and works with them for a year to ensure that the following year they either start university or enter into full-time employment. They also started Amawele, an Irish charity that helps complete teacher training and curriculum development through the pairing of schools in South Africa and Ireland. During 2012 Life Residential are donating a 3% commission on every property sale to the Wildlands Conservation Trust in its work to protect rhinos – and encourage both the buyer and seller to match the donation. Further regular donations have led to the adoption of Ubomi, currently a mother of two rhino calves. “Wildlands is a very solid community empowerment initiative and we’re in a position to do something rather than nothing,” says Richard.
April 2012
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LIVEABLE CITY
I live in the Central City Photo: Lisa Burnell
Riaan Oppelt is an English literature lecturer at Stellenbosch University and a Mandela Rhodes Scholar – who also happens to live near Mandela Rhodes Place. Riaan Oppelt in the National Library of South Africa
CV Why do you live in the Central City? There was one point as a teen growing up in Paarl when I think it had been seven years since I’d seen Cape Town. Occasionally staying over with family in the Central City during my early teens, and being sentimental, meant I developed the serious goal of one day living in the CBD. The commute to Stellenbosch treats me in another way: I am able to be located in a town and a city in the same day and to be a flâneur in both. CV What are your favourite places in the city? The Central Library: It is a wonderfully stocked public library in Cape Town with an astonishing, sundry collection of books – and the lay-out is fantastic. I’m a big fan of intimate spaces so favour Roxy’s which I’ve always enjoyed for its laid-back atmosphere. It’s a kitsch place and the vintage Bmovie posters go well with the intimate space. The staff at Roxy’s are usually very friendly and get to know the regulars quickly, making it a place most people like to return to. I also like Clarke’s bookstore on rainy days because they have a comfy chair upstairs and the smell of coffee pervades. And lastly, because I am a film fanatic, the Labia on Orange Street.
Who are your favourite city storytellers? Gabeba Baderoon writes very tenderly about the city in her poetry. Richard Rive’s apartheidera Cape Town is most famously found in Buckingham Palace, but look at his short story Rain to see more of the inner workings of a cold yet sweaty, sultry city centre as well as the outsider’s loneliness at the hostility of Cape indifference. Lauren Beukes has a way of putting her finger on the CV
“Favourite place in Cape Town? The Central Library: it is a wonderfully stocked public library in Cape Town with an astonishing, sundry collection of books – and the lay-out is fantastic.”
“As a Mandela Rhodes Scholar your name is linked to that of Nelson Mandela, so you always take a few seconds to pause, reflect, consider and then act. It’s not some exclusive club, it’s one in which your character weighs more than your credentials on paper.” pulse of the young adult’s Cape Town, and from there she turns it into a smorgasbord of hormones that must, inevitably, run to stand still. What book or poem about Cape Town needs writing? A great detective or historical novel set somewhere between 1890 and 1940, one that uncovers some of the paths Cape Town has taken to its current position. This Cape Town, from the 20s right up to the 1940s, would be a site of resistance to rising Afrikaner nationalism but also a site of shirked responsibility. Much has been written about Cape Town from the 1950s onwards, but this is the kind of epic project I’d like to see, something that merges the epic with the intimate, interrogates geo-political history and traces fault lines that may help us in viewing the Cape Town of the present. CV
CV If Cape Town had a sound, what would it be? The boom of the noon gun followed by a taxi honking and school children running about during class change, or afternoon recess. There’s an aural poetry to ingesting those three sounds at
the same moment that somehow sums up Cape Town for me. A cat meowing somewhere in the mix tells you you’re in an apartment building, viewing the city from a window, and purring to yourself. What new local music do you enjoy? I enjoy the local sounds of Mr Cat and the Jackal, The Pretty Blue Guns, Melissa Smit and especially Basteel who have exceptional talent to mix rock up with reggae, pop, funk and R&B. Mercury Live and Zula Bar in Long Street are great live music venues. CV
As a vegan, where do you like eating? Addis in Cape offers very good food and a proper eating experience, but quite frankly, the Eastern Food Bazaar is one of the best things to happen to the city. My favourite combination of food there is either their lentils of the day with rice, or their pea and potato curry. Food there is cheap and made with care, and the location means that at any time of the day you’ll find so many different Capetonians there. Masala Dosa in Long Street is also good. CV
CV Finally, what does it mean to be a Mandela Rhodes Scholar? It means being aware of both a sense of gratitude and a sense of responsibility. To earn a scholarship in the name of Nelson Mandela is to know that in some bizarre turn of events, your name has been linked to his, no matter how distant or arbitrary. If you do things in your studies or your professional life, you do it as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, so you always take a few seconds to pause, reflect, consider and then act. It’s not some exclusive club, it’s one in which your character weighs more than your credentials on paper.
Explore Riaan’s Cape Town for yourself: The Central Library Corner of Parade and Darling Street T: 021 567 1545 centrallibrary@capetown. gov.za Roxy’s Café 14 Wandel Street T: 021 461 8507 Clarke’s Books 221 Long Street T: 021 423 5739 www.clarkesbooks.co.za The Labia 68 Orange Street T: 021 424 5927 www.labia.co.za Mercury Live 43 De Villiers Street T: 021 465 2106 www.mercuryl.co.za Zula Bar 98 Long Street T: 021 424 2442 www.zulabar.co.za Addis in Cape 41 Church Street T: 021 424 5722 www.addisincape.co.za Eastern Food Bazaar 96 Longmarket Street T: 021 461 2458 www.easternfoodbazaar.co.za Masala Dosa 167 Long Street T: 021 424 6772 www.masaladosa.co.za
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April 2012
Long-time city retailers talk shop Photo: Lisa Burnell
Marga Goss opened her Wimpy franchise on St George’s Mall in the days when parking metres still had to be torn down to make way for pedestrian traffic. Now, after 25 years, she’s relocated a few blocks down the way. Marga and her husband Clive took time out – even amidst the busy lunchtime rush in their new location – to give City Views some insight into being long-time business owners in an evolving CBD. By: Stephanie Katz Marga and Clive Goss CV Why did you decide to open your business in the city centre? Marga: Twenty-six years ago there was no Wimpy in the city centre, and so I thought it would be a good place to base the franchise. There was a space available on 68 St George’s Mall and a space available in Greenmarket, but once we found out we’d be able to put an outdoor area on the mall, we got very excited. You see, I’m German and I like the European flair of sidewalk seating.
things changed? Marga: When I opened in 1986 there was only one coffee shop – the street was mainly banks and building societies. The trees were small and the whole mall was a construction site. Now there are eateries everywhere, so the competition is much stiffer compared to then. There’s also been a shift in terms of where the activity was. When the hotels opened farther up the street, businesses began to congregate around them. Is there anything you miss about the old CBD? Clive: I miss the horse patrol. It was a great form of visible policing. The CV
What was it like to do business in the city centre back then, and how have CV
guys could sit up high on the horses and see more. CV Twenty-six years in the business is a long time, what secrets to success could you share with other Central City business owners. Marga: You can’t remove yourself. You have to set a standard in terms of quality and service, and you have to be involved all the time. I’m not afraid to wipe a table; we all have to work together – my staff, the city and myself. Clive: You can’t leave it to other people. You yourself have to participate daily.
CV You spent 25 years on 68 St George’s Mall, and now you’ve opened this new location, has it been a good change? Marga: I’ll put it this way, I didn’t know I was in a cave until I crawled out. We don’t have as much outdoor seating as we did at 68 St. Georges Mall, but here, everything is open. Even when you’re inside it feels like you’re outside. We love it. CV And when you’re not eating at Wimpy’s where in the Central City do you like to grab a bite? Marga: Let me tell you, the other day
I went around the corner to Doppio Zero, and as I was sitting there I realised that in 25 years I hadn’t eaten anywhere else in the city centre. I shocked myself! In that case, any recommendations on the Wimpy menu? Marga: I enjoy the crunchy chicken wrap. CV
Wimpy 101 St George’s Mall T: 021 424 3470 www.wimpy.co.za
Photo: Sydelle Willow Smith, Infecting the City 2012
Creating a child-friendly city Have you ever stopped to wonder how Cape Town CBD would look and sound if you were six years old? Where do you go to buy a cooldrink, to play a game, to get a drink of water? Can you walk there safely in less than five minutes? What do our streets teach our children about life overall, and life in Cape Town? UNICEF – the United Nations Children’s Fund – runs a Child Friendly Cities programme, and has developed building blocks to help cities become more childfriendly. What do they fundamentally believe? That every child has the right to: Influence decisions about their city Express their opinion on the city they want
Participate in family, community and social life Receive basic services such as healthcare, education and shelter Drink safe water and have access to proper sanitation Be protected from exploitation, violence and abuse Walk safely in the streets on their own Meet friends and play Have green spaces for plants
and animals Live in an unpolluted environment Participate in cultural and social events Be an equal citizen of their city with access to every service, regardless of ethnic origin, religion, income, gender or disability
In the words of Dr Seuss: “A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
Envisioning a better tomorrow How will the decisions we make today influence our children seven generations into the future? What kind of Cape Town do you want to hand over in 25 years to a child born today? The City of Cape Town is asking just that – as they develop a vision of the kind of city our children and their children would like to live in and a strategy to achieve it – and they need your input. They specifically want to know how Cape Town 2040 should look and work in terms of: Future housing, communities, food Future work, business, skills Future transport Future leisure Future energy sources Future interactions between citizens and city leaders Your role in future Cape Town
Photo: Sydelle Willow Smith
E PUBLIC SPACE FOR PUBLIC LIF
Cape Town’s youngest citizens enjoyed a range of this year’s Infecting the City performances
Cape Town 2040:
Give your input and ideas before 20 April 2012:
Comment online: http:// capetown2040.capetown.gov.za
Comment at the Central Library on Darling Street or the Civic Centre on Herzog Boulevard (where you’ll find a thought bubble for you to fill in and pop into the Cape Town 2040 box)
Tell your friends on Facebook: www.facebook. com/CapeTown2040 Talk it up on Twitter: @ CapeTown2040 Email CapeTown2040@ capetown.gov.za
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Arts Aweh! Looking at public art through the eyes of youth
As part of a programme called Arts Aweh!, over 400 grade 10 to 12 learners drawn from communities across Cape Town were led by local artists – like hip-hop artist Quintin Jitsvinger Goliath and performer, poet and writer Khadija Tracey Heeger – around this year’s Infecting the City performances. What did they think of it? Students responded in poetry and prose (and were encouraged to journal their experience). Here are a few snippets:
“It’s fascinating how I’ve never given myself a chance to tour around Cape Town. I’ve lived here ever since I was born, but today I’ve learned a lot thanks to the school and Arts Aweh! I’ve grown love, care for the city of Cape Town. It’s my city and I would love to be a part of it.”
Oh my word!
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STUDENT POEMS
The morning started so great walking and talking meeting new mense Classical ballet and Uvoko rocked! I am Aweh! Arts Aweh! Things come together in the street Arts Aweh! changing the beat of the city’s feet Culture, mens-mens, khoi-khoi Everything is gevaarlik, lekker and Aweh! Created by learners from Chris Hani High School and Cedar High, facilitated by Khadija Tracey Heeger
Untitled
Your race can’t stop you from LOVING ART! ART is who you are. We are like moves, merging together to create a piece of art. We sit here as one. We sit here as what they say is a rainbow nation, showing our emotions to make our own African production. Created by learners from Belhar High School and Milnerton High School, facilitated by Roshina Ratnam
“I used my imagination. I changed my perception. Sometimes I didn’t know what to do with it.”
“For a long time our people have been suppressed, made to feel like we can’t add anything to society. Art gives us value. If we start to include art into the city, no matter how simple, it has the potential to uplift generations.”
Photo: Lisa Burnell
Quintin Jitsvinger Goliath
Infecting the City performances Abawon: Stains (top left), The Cape Doctor (bottom left) and Cantico by Jazzart (right)
Photo: Sydelle Willow Smith
Arts Aweh! students engaging with one of the Infecting the City interventions – My Dream on St George’s Mall
To be involved in next year’s Arts Aweh! and Infecting the City programmes, speak to project manager Felicia Pattison-Bacon: Infecting the City T: 087 150 5446 feliciapb@africacentre.net www.infectingthecity.com
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fringe
CityViews
The Hostel
April 2012
Historic headquarters for an innovation district The Fringe team, coordinated by Zayd Minty and Yehuda Raff of the Cape Town Partnership, will be moving to new headquarters in April. By Alan Cameron
Photo: Lisa Burnell
I
Yehuda and Zayd at their new headquarters in The Fringe
n what kind of space will The Fringe be based – some flashy new building, part science lab, part glossy magazine cover, surely? They are driving an innovation and design district, after all. Not so: They’ll be moving to 86 Commercial Street, into a building known as the Stakesby Lewis Hostel. The hostel – one of 10 key landmarks in District Six – was one of a few boarding houses available to men of colour near the city centre in the early twentieth century. It became a place of political discussion and debate for young men and women, but was forced to close its doors in 1981 under the Group Areas Act. In the same way it was a site of discussion then, The Hostel is being shaped into a collaborative space – one of ideas and creative dialogue – now. “The Fringe will be working alongside the current owner of The Hostel to bring in companies that complement one another creatively. The intention is to be a catalytic environment, an incubator that fosters new companies, brings them to maturity, companies who ultimately outgrow the
space, and move on, allowing us to work with other entrepreneurs,” explains Yehuda Raff, coordinator for The Fringe. The space aims to encourage cross-pollination between tenants, but also looks to facilitate dialogue across time: “We’re collaborating with District Six Museum,” Yehuda adds, “to design a memory
“We’re very aware of the history of the neighbourhood and its importance in Cape Town, and think of the district with respect to – and in respect of – that past.”
city,” remarks Zayd – who used to work at the District Six Museum. “We’re very aware of the history of the neighbourhood and its importance in Cape Town, and think of the district with respect to – and in respect of – that past.” If you’re interested in seeing what The Fringe has planned for The Hostel and the district as a whole, then head to Commercial Street in late May: The urban design framework will be on display and open to the public for participation and comment. The exhibition includes proposals for Harrington Square, the heart of the area, as well as a landscape framework that shows how the district could connect to the natural environment.
Zayd Minty
wall or mural at the front entrance – we’re still workshopping the options, but it will be something that gives reference to the past, an acknowledgement that others came before. In creating space, the new narrative needs to tell the whole story.” “The Fringe looks to be a seam between District Six and the
If you too would like to be headquartered at The Hostel, The Fringe team are looking for tenants. The Fringe HQ The Hostel 86 Commercial Street @FringeDistrict www.thefringe.org.za
Diarise the Open Book Festival 20 to 24 September 2012 @OpenBookFest www.openbookfestival. co.za
Donate your favourite school books The Bookery 20 Roeland Street T: 021 461 4189 thebookery@ equaleducation.org.za
Support a movement for equal education for all Equal Education T: 021 387 0022 www.equaleducation. org.za
The Central Library Corner of Parade and Darling Street T: 021 567 1545 centrallibrary@capetown.gov.za
Photo: Lisa Burnell
Buy a book (for yourself and Parkhurst Primary) The Book Lounge 71 Roeland Street T: 021 462 2425 www.booklounge.co.za
Equal Education is a movement of learners, parents, teachers and community members working for quality and equality in South African education, through analysis and activism. One of their campaigns is 1 school, 1 library, 1 librarian – which is about ensuring that every school in South Africa has a fully stocked, functioning library (only 8% of public schools do).
For those of you who live and work in the Central City, you’re lucky enough to be close to the Central Library. It’s not only the biggest library in town – it’s also a retreat, a local wireless café, a place where children and the child-like can be swept up by a story. To join, take your ID, passport or refugee permit, together with proof of address, and a birth certificate and parent’s signature for children under the age of 18.
Photo: Bruce Sutherland, City of Cape Town
Open Book Cape Town is committed to encouraging a love of books and reading – but a five day festival in late September (while tremendously exciting) is just a start. That’s why they adopt a school every year and help them stock their library – with the help of Equal Education and the generous support of Book Lounge visitors, Open Book festivalgoers and publishers. In 2011, the Matthew Goniwe High School library was fully stocked, and in 2012, Parkhurst Primary in Mitchells Plain has been adopted.
Photo: Kate Wilkinson
Students in the city: How (and where) to leave a legacy for learners
Making the invisible
visible
Have you seen this beautiful mosaic just behind the Central Library? Artists Lovell Friedman and Leora Lewis have printed historical adverts of destitute children onto ceramic tiles, and used these to make up a portrait of a child – surrounded by text and drawings by street children.
April 2012
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Cape Town:
An unexpected classroom for language learners Some might call the notion of appointing Table Mountain as the world’s largest lectern and Lion’s Head as a looming overhead projector progressive, others would say it’s outright ridiculous, but Kurus English simply thinks it’s essential. By Stephanie Katz
Johannes Kraus
dilla lolly orange), students also embark on afternoon language excursions into the social, historic and cultural nooks and crannies of this urban centre. So while Johannes and his team have decided to leave what happens within the box of the classroom to the professionals (Oxford, Cambridge and teachers), they’ve taken the reins when it comes to immersing students outside of it. “If you take your students
Photos: Supplied
C
ape Town is the language school Kurus English’s fifth and largest classroom. The other four, designed to host no more than eight English language students at one time, are certainly crucial parts of the institution’s teaching programmes, but they cater to the verbs and nouns of things, not the elements of practical education that the school’s founder, Johannes Kraus, deems equally important. Kurus English, currently in its fourth year of operation
Noor Ebrahim talks to a Kurus English group about the history of District Six
“Having our students interact with Cape Town outside of the classroom not only helps their language learning, but it also improves their cultural competence and refines their soft social skills.” Johannes Kraus
and headquartered in the city centre, has pioneered a language learning programme that pinpoints Cape Town as its best partner in teaching international students to read, write, listen and speak in English. “It’s about communicating authentically in real life contexts,” says Johannes. Kurus English has integrated cultural discovery into its standard teaching materials. That means that alongside morning sessions that take place within its structured, albeit very colourful, walls (they’re grana-
With Ambitious Youth of Khayelitsha at the Chris Campbell Memorial Field
into an authentic context, all of a sudden they have all of these opportunities to use language in a way that they wouldn’t have had in the classroom, and they also get a lot of confidence, because they’re able to be comfortable in an environment, which means they’re able to advance quicker,” explains one of the school’s enthusiastic teachers, Jessica Lawrie. Both Jessica and Johannes draw attention to the fact that one of the most difficult
challenges English language learners face is overcoming their own sense of self-consciousness. But by allowing students to interact with native English speakers in controlled situations – everyone involved in the outing is aware that the students are learning a new language – the language excursions help break down the students’ insecurity. “Also, having our students interact with Cape Town outside of the classroom not
only helps their language learning, but it also improves their cultural competence and refines their soft social skills, ” Johannes remarks. He goes on to assert that in a world where we fight each other over religion and race (he also throws in eye colour for effect), having the ability to encourage cultural understanding and open-mindedness is paramount. What’s more, all of the language excursions embraced by Kurus English seek to
give learners a uniquely South African insight. The logistics of the experiences are handled by Coffeebean Routes, an organisation that’s an old hand at introducing internationals to the complexity of Capetonian identities. The travel company, which shares office space with the language school, has devoted years to cultivating a network of city storytellers who can help students see the many faces of Cape Town. The excursions pivot around twelve broad themes, and under this umbrella nearly anything is possible: One day students might journey along the aromatic alleyways of the BoKaap learning about Cape Malay cuisine, the next they
might go underground into the tunnels beneath the city to hear Cape Town’s water story, or be on the train to Langa to learn more about Xhosa culture. The success of the excursions hinges on the colour and the character of an unexpected teacher – Cape Town. Kurus English realises that this city is a lot of things to a lot of people – Mother City to some, Portuguese fishing village to others, and best travel destination in the world to more – but arguably most importantly, Cape Town has the capacity to be a place of social learning – a place that resonates for those abroad as much as it does for those who walk the central streets on a daily basis.
Know someone who wants to learn English while living in Cape Town?
Want to experience an unexpected side of Cape Town for yourself?
Kurus English 70 Wale Street T: 021 426 4606 @KurusEnglish www.kurus-english.com
Coffeebeans Routes 70 Wale Street T: 021 424 3572 @coffeebeansrout www.coffeebeansroutes. com
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on the town
CityViews CityViews
April 2012
SMaRT CITIeS
Cape Town is your classroom
Photos: Supplied
Cities make us smarter. At least that’s the opinion of Harvard economist Ed Glaeser. So where can you go in Cape Town to gain insight and intelligence? Here’s the City Views list for local lectures and seriously cool seminars:
Hip hop artist Emile Jansen speaking at the most recent Talking Heads session. UCT Vice Chancellor Max Price listens. 5.
The Book lounge
For lectures, readings, literary discussions and Saturday morning book sessions for your kids:
“above all, we must free ourselves from our tendency to see cities as their buildings, and remember that the real city is made of flesh, not concrete … To thrive, cities must attract smart people and enable them to work collaboratively.” ed glaeser
1.
gIPCa
For great debates around big questions – particularly to do with performing and creative arts – held nearly every week (previous presenters include Handspring Puppet Company and crime writer Margie Orford):
Hiddingh Hall 31-37 Orange Street T: 021 480 7156 www.gipca.uct.ac.za 2.
Pecha kucha Cape Town
For some of the best city ideas presented to you in 20 slides, each up for 20 seconds (that’s 6 minutes and 40 seconds of inspiration), join the local Pecha Kucha culture (the next session is scheduled for 1 May):
The Assembly 61 Harrington Street @PechaKuchaCT www.pechakucha-capetown. com
WIkIaFRICa
3.
TeDx
A series of independently organised talks focusing on technology, entertainment and design. (The next TEDxCapeTown is set for 21 July 2012 and will focus on the theme of “What we play is life”):
@tedxcapetown www.tedxcapetown.org 4.
Talking Heads
An intimate 20-minute conversation with four different experts (your Russian roulette of experts might range from cosmologists to economic forecasters, sex worker activists to nuclear physicists) hosted by the Africa centre – and soon coming to an African city near you. Capetonians, pencil in the next event for June:
Africa Centre 5th Floor, 28 St George’s Mall T: 021 418 3336 robinj@africacentre.net www.africacentre.net/talkingheads
71 Roeland Street T: 021 462 2425 www.booklounge.co.za 6.
Iziko Museums of Cape Town
Friends of Iziko museums get great benefits – like behind-the-scenes access and invitations to interesting tours (pick your favourite museum and sign up for membership):
T: 021 481 3800 www.iziko.org.za 7.
Creative Coffee Mornings
Get your coffee fix while you take inspiration from a local creative – on the first Friday of every month:
T: 083 276 9051 @CapeTown_CM www.creativemornings.com 8.
Are you particularly knowledgeable about Africa, but don’t know where or how to share what you know? Why not get involved with Africa Centre’s WikiAfrica project. What’s that? An international collaborative project between Cape Town’s Africa Centre and Lettera27 designed to Africanise Wikipedia by generating and expanding on 30 000 articles over two years. Why? Africa, with nearly one-billion people, represents the world’s
third-largest market after China (1.3-billion) and India (1.1-billion), and is widely recognised as the last frontier for global economic growth. It is also where humanity began. And yet it has the lowest and least informed profile of any region on the internet; moreover, what does appear is often selective, lacks context and reinforces outdated stereotypes. Africa deserves a new deal – especially on Wikipedia. The project are focused on encouraging external Africa-based
Make a point of checking in with your local library and nearby colleges and universities what public events are taking place happening in the weeks ahead.
FRee BOOkS anD eDUCaTIOn If your reading and learning time is primarily spent in front of a computer screen, the University of Cape Town has made a number of books and lecture material – from the health sciences to humanities – freely available on the web:
http://opencontent.uct. ac.za
Centre for the Book
For lunchtime writing sessions, creative workshops and book clubs:
62 Queen Victoria Street T: 021 423 2669 www.nlsa.ac.za
KNOWLEDGE PLATFORMS FOR AFRICA
9. Your local library (and university)
The HSRC Press is a notfor-profit publisher whose books are available for free in their electronic versions:
www.hsrcpress.ac.za
Study in Cape Town
cultural organisations, museums and archives, as well as bloggers and journalists and clever people like you, to contribute their knowledge to Wikipedia.
Get involved: WikiAfrica at the Africa Centre 5th Floor, 28 St George’s Mall T: 021 418 3336 @wikiafrica islahf@africacentre.net www.wikiafrica.org
If you’re an international looking to study in Cape Town – whether you want to learn to cook or to create, to think or to talk in another tongue – Cape Town Tourism’s new website has a lot of the information you need: From what’s available across the metropole, to how to go about getting a student visa.
Give it a go: www.capetown.travel
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2012: The end or the beginning? An exploration of the astronomical calculations that led the Mayans to predict the end of the world Silly Solly and the Shooting Stars: The story of a wayward snail who asks a shooting star to help him become a soccer champion Davy Dragon’s Guide to the Night Sky: The adventure of a flying dragon with big dreams and a fiery interest in the universe
25 Queen Victoria Street T: 021 481 3900 www.iziko.org.za
Park off:
2. City B owl Market
Enjoy a leisurely lunch, brunch or breakfast at the market that’s been receiving rave reviews for being long on local artisan food and short on crowds. Visit each stall with your young one to try out the tidbits available, pick out fresh fruit and veg together, or let the kids create their own artwork at the local activity table or play in the adjacent grassy area.
14 Hope Street Saturday from 09h00 to 14h00 www.citybowlmarket.co.za
big your little ones may be, a colourful cupcake or quiche fresh out the oven from this familyowned institution is a sure winner. Do take note though, you may need to take your treats to one of the city parks – Charly’s has limited seating inside, and only a few options outside under cover. The brilliant bakers also take Saturday afternoons, Sundays and Mondays off.
38 Canterbury Street T: 021 4615181 www.charlysbakery.co.za
Town Cape rtesy o f g, cou
Founders Garden, Jan Smuts Street T: 021 421 8622 www.zip-zap.co.za
4. Sea P oint Promenad e
Photo: Sharon Adey, courtesy of Cape Town Tourism
1. Comp any’s garden The city’s green lung – the Company’s Garden – hasn’t lost its ability to revive all manner of oceanweary travellers. Trade in the busy streets of the CBD for winding oak avenues, carpet-like lawns and a mosaic of indigenous herbs and succulents. Be sure to stop at the aviary and the well-stocked fish pond, and take seeds with you to feed the squirrels along the main pedestrian way. (Keep watch for the legendary white albino squirrel, he’s a sight to behold). The Company’s Garden starts at the top of St George’s Mall, next to the Cathedral and the Iziko Slave Lodge
seats and a perky pansy bed (or two) join the ancient pines and jacarandas to make for a great family outing. De Waal Park is bordered by Upper Orange, Molteno and Camp Street. You can also find it online at www.dewaalpark.co.za
Point 3. greenan Park Urb
Photo: Supplied by Friends of De Waal Park
Photo: Caroline Jordan
Gurlin
For worry-wart parents, never fear: Zip Zap is not all acrobatic aerials and mile-high tightrope, and is much more about building trust and friendships in safe and fun environment. The school offers a beginners class for kids aged between 7 and 12 years.
y
Take the pooch and a picnic for a lazy afternoon in this century old greenway that, since the advent of the Friends of De Waal Park society in 2008, has been the lucky recipient of a facelift. A new jungle gym, repainted play centre, child-safety
: Deon
4. Zip Zap Circus School
Gree in wh n spa c ich t o pla es
Waal 2. De rk Pa
Photo
For an out-of-this-world experience from a conveniently close-to-home location, consider spending some time under this celestial theatre’s starry night. The Iziko Planetarium hosts shows for all ages – even curious adults; although night time screenings only occur on Thursdays. In April the auditorium will showcase:
Photo: Supplied
1. Iziko Planetarium
Cap e des Town’s ign a Cen bric ks a nd nigh tral Cit ym tlife nd a By S ay b teph c h a a p anie lf-pe e th ital Katz e o nny high f the co econom u ?W here ntry, b ic hear ut tb do k ids g what d eat of t h oes o to that e regio get 3. Charly’s Bakery na m ente rtain ean if y nd the o ed a What treat could be as sweet as a nd e u’re tw trip to Cape Town’s beloved bako duc ated ery? No matter how bite-sized or ? Photo: Skye Grove
e To wn ?
Tourism
Wh kid at’s a t in C ap o do
The Green Point Park may sit in the shadow of the Cape Town stadium, but there’s nothing second fiddle about this immaculately landscaped oasis of parkland. The brilliantly laidout urban space boasts a biodiversity garden, shaded picnic tables, a small amphitheatre and an admirable collection of eco-friendly playground equipment that could make even the
This strip of green along the water’s edge is lauded as much for its health and fitness function, as it is for its perfection as a diverse people-watching platform. Bring a ball and blanket, or your bikes (and push bikes) and enjoy the sights and sounds – and the daily atomic sunsets. Furry friends are welcome too. Sea Point Promenade runs from Mouille Point to Bantry Bay along the water’s edge
sternest adult yearn for younger days. For those with summerborn babies, consider celebrating with a picnic on the rolling lawn; there’s even recycling bins on site to make your party all the greener. Entrances to Green Point Urban Park are on Bay Road, Vlei Road and Bill Peters Drive
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CityViews
April 2012
My Cape Town: Zayd Minty
Since the founding of the Cape Town Partnership’s Creative Cape Town programme in 2008, Zayd Minty has been working towards positioning Cape Town’s Central City as a leading centre for knowledge, innovation, creativity and culture in Africa and the South. He took some time to tell City Views about that journey and some exciting new prospects on his plate.
CV What have been some of your Creative Cape Town highlights? The day Cape Town outshone Dublin and Bilbao to win the title of World Design Capital 2014, the first City Hall Sessions in September 2011 – probably one of the best music events I have been to in recent years – and every year when I hold the first print of the new Creative Cape Town Annual in my hands.
Straatwerk has job rehabilitation projects for men and women. 021 425 0140 The Haven’s vision is to get the homeless home. 021 425 4700 The Homestead provides residential care and family integration for boys. 021 461 7470
CV You’ve had a varied career. Can you tell us a bit about it? I’m passionate about culture and cities – particularly cities in the Global South – as well as the intersection between museology (the study of museums across time) and public art practice. Before Creative Cape Town, I worked for the Robben Island Museum, District Six Museum and the Community Arts Project, as well as on a number of public art interventions, festivals, exhibitions and forums. CV How did Creative Cape Town come about? Creative Cape Town developed out of work done in 2004 on the east city, which culminated in the East City
consultant to the Partnership, and then the Creative Cape Town coordinator in 2008. What’s the secret to Creative Cape Town’s success? Focus. We had a number of challenges, including budget and capacity, and so we had to prioritise our work, honing in on core areas where we could achieve results. One of those areas of focus has been on design – because so much of our local creative economy is design and there’s little coordination across the sector. We initiated the World Design Capital bid with the City of Cape Town to raise our profile as a creative city internationally. Then the Fringe: Cape Town’s Design and Innovation District was established with CV
“My wish for Creative Cape Town is that it holds dear to its heart the potential of an inclusive city and works to achieve it through word, image (because images speak a thousand words) and action.” Zayd Minty
Development Conference – I presented on City Hall’s potential as a cultural space. Andrew Boraine had seen growth in the creative industries and was interested in how inclusive memorialisation could help build bridges. He approached me to join the board of the Cape Town Partnership, and I later became a
Ons Plek provides residential care while undertaking reunification process for girls. 021 465 4829 The Carpenters Shop provides rehabilitation services and skills training for adults. 021 461 5508 Salesian Institute Youth Projects provide education, skills training and rehabilitation to vulnerable youth. 021 425 1450
provincial government as a space where design industries could be developed. We supported the establishment of the Cape Town Design Network in partnership with local designers. And finally we initiated the bid to bring the Loeries, South Africa’s most important communications awards, to Cape Town.
Photo: Lisa Burnell
CV Zayd, as the programme coordinator for Creative Cape Town, you’ve travelled to many creative cities. What gives Cape Town its creative edge? This really is a city of inspiration. People from the greater city come to view the city centre as the de facto centre for creativity and so it’s a melting pot, a healthy collision of cultural difference. It’s also because of its famous relaxed environment which creates the climate for inspiration: It’s a city where you can work in a coffee shop, bump into someone on the street and end up doing new business. Then there’s our very interesting past and the impact of this on our music, visual and performing arts.
Zayd Minty
Cape Town won the bid to host the loerie awards for the next three years. Would you say that the loeries have been a creative catalyst for Cape Town? Yes, definitely. The Loeries bid resulted in our Creative Week Cape Town project – which showcases what’s happening in the city outside of the awards ceremony, and last year crowdsourced over 60 events in the week leading up to the Loeries. CV
CV What’s your next big project? I guess you could say my work has come full circle, from the East City Development Conference in 2004, to The Fringe in 2012: My new role is to lead the strategic direction of The Fringe as an important economic
node in the city – and raise the finances to make it happen. I will also be driving its communication work and exciting projects like Spaza, an urban innovation festival we’re holding in Cape Town in 2014. What are your wishes for Creative Cape Town as you move on to The Fringe? My wish for Creative Cape Town is that it grows in leaps and bounds, especially given the opportunities that Cape Town’s World Design Capital 2014 designation brings for our creative industries. CV
To follow Zayd’s movements in The Fringe, find him on Twitter: @ZaydMinty and @FringeDistrict
I hope it will continue to play a role in advocating for both a strong public art policy for the city centre as well as cultural and creative industry development policies for greater Cape Town. Most importantly my wish is that it holds dear to its heart the potential of an inclusive city and works to achieve it through word, image (because images speak a thousand words) and action. CV What’s the sound, smell, taste of Cape Town? Goema, fynbos, and freshly grilled fish.
To be a part of Creative Cape Town, friend them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter (@CreativeCT) or sign up for their monthly newsletter at www.creativecapetown.net.
Many children and young adults living on the streets have severe drug addiction problems. More often than not, the money they receive from begging is used to buy their next “fix”. The CCID therefore requests that members of the public do not give money or handouts directly. If you would like to help, please contact one of the listed organisations mentioned. Contact the Central City Improvement District’s (CCID’s) Social Development Department for further information or assistance.
Pat 021 419 1881 | Dean 082 928 3862 Headman Sirala-Rala 082 262 0113 Mark Williams 082 262 0112
www.capetownpartnership.co.za