I recently noticed myself listing off a few facts about Cape Town to a friend who wanted to visit, and realised this information may not be generally accessible before you get here.

So, if you’re considering a visit to South Africa’s cultural capital, these are the most important things you need to know before you make your decision. 

But first, a few quick points before we deep-dive:

• Much of our local economy is made up of entrepreneurs and small businesses, creating genuine quality products — it does a lot of good when you support them!
• You’ll struggle to find a bad cup of coffee.
• You can get super creative with your beer choices — we have everything, and they’re amazing.
• You’ll find a ton of award-winning wines here, and incredibly beautiful wine estates, at prices that make international visitors’ eyes boggle.
• We have good trains and buses, but neither systems cross the whole city — see our guide.
• The street food is really great, mostly Cape Malay.
• You can find cuisines from all over the world, at excellent quality.
• Waiters expect a 10-15% tip as standard.
• There are regular power outages countrywide — sometimes; you could visit and experience no problems, or it could go out 4h/day; roll of the dice!
• We have a homelessness problem in the city, which increases the risk of petty crime. 

The basics: FAQs

Let’s look at some of your most common questions about Cape Town.

Why is Cape Town so famous?

Because it is so beautiful! Table Mountain is our iconic feature, rising up in the middle of the city. But we also have pristine beaches and coastlines, rich and diverse ecosystems, and so much beauty all around us. There’s more to love about Cape Town, but the city is definitely most famous for its natural beauty.

Which is safer, Cape Town or Johannesburg?

Cape Town. 

Gun violence and murder are higher in Joburg, as are hijacking, kidnapping, and carjacking. In Cape Town, violent crime is localised to specific areas like Delft, Nyanga and Khayelitsha. Petty crime is a risk in both cities, but because tourism is one of Cape Town’s largest industries, popular spaces are well protected.

Is Cape Town a walkable city?

The suburbs of Cape Town are largely walkable — particularly neighbourhoods like Sea Point, Camps Bay, Vredehoek, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg. The CBD is also totally walkable! But it’s a really sprawling city, with some dangerous areas, so you can’t explore the city only on foot.

Is Cape Town an expensive city?

This depends on your definition of expensive. For tourists from the US and Europe, Cape Town is really affordable. If you’re a South African looking to visit the Mother City, you’ll definitely find the prices higher than you’re used to, particularly for accommodation.

Do most people in Cape Town speak English?

Yes! You’ll find that anyone in the service industry speaks fluent English, and so do most of the other people you’ll meet. It’s the main language of communication in South Africa, despite being only one of eleven official languages.  

More generally: The good stuff

It’s mostly good stuff! Cape Town is a magical city, with a stunning and diverse environment, friendly people, and tons to enjoy. But let’s get into some of the nitty-gritty.

1. We’re a land of entrepreneurs 

Exploring a Spring market at Rondebosch Park

There is an incredible amount of entrepreneurs in Cape Town, selling their crafts, their food, their inventions, their skills and expertise. So much creativity and hard work! This is both because South Africa is an inventive nation, and because it is also one with too few work opportunities. So people make their own.

We strongly recommend supporting local and small-scale as much as you can. You can do this via markets like:

• The Neighbourgoods Market, The Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock
• Oranjezicht City Farm Market, Granger Bay, V&A Waterfront
• Bay Harbour Market, Hout Bay
• The Watershed, V&A Waterfront 

You’ll also find a lot of coffeeshops showcasing local artists and creatives. And if the irregular Candor Market happens to be happening when you’re in the city, I would HIGHLY recommend attending. Our small-scale creatives really shine here, and everything is either beautiful or delicious. 

2. We have an incredible coffee culture

Against the Grain Cafe in Bo Kaap

Don’t support Starbucks! In fact, don’t support any chains if you can avoid it (and you can). Cape Town has so many small, locally owned cafés and I’m telling you now, the coffee is absurdly good. Our baristas are artists, all across the city.

You’ll struggle to go wrong, particularly if you go for the smaller cafes, but a few of my favourites are:

• Sonder Cafe, Observatory
• Our Local, CBD
• Olympia Cafe, Kalk Bay
• Montebello, Newlands
• Pauline’s, Sea Point

Our article on the best brunch spots in Cape Town is a handy resource if you want to look deeper!

3. Craft beers galore 

A few of my favourite local beers

Cape Town has dozens and dozens of craft breweries — and somehow, each one I’ve tried is doing innovative and exciting work. It’s not something most tourists know about Cape Town, but it’s really cool! 

If you want to try lots of local brews from different creators I’d recommend getting the month’s tasting box from Smous (not sponsored, I just love what they do!). This box changes every month and includes 12 different types of beers from micro, small and larger local breweries.

You’ll also find local craft brews in most bars across the city. Ask the barista their favourite and give it a try!

4. Our wines are world-class — and so are our wine estates

Groot Constantia wine tasting

Cape Town’s vineyards have won a ton of awards for their various wines — as have the stunning estates outside of Cape Town, in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Our wine is truly world-class. 

While you should definitely get a few bottles to take back home, I’d recommend going for a tasting or two, and getting your bottles at the vineyards themselves. They’re located right in the city, in the neighbourhood of Constantia. And they are all beautiful, with fantastic food and charcuterie platters.

Three favourites are Beau Constantia, Groot Constantia, and Buitenverwachting. I’d recommend taking the hop-on hop-off wine tour if you want to make a few stops! It’s really cheap and easy — and you get to see more of the city while you’re at it.

To learn more check out our articles on: 

• Wine tasting in Constantia
• The Franschhoek Wine Tram, and 
• Mountain biking and wine tasting in Franschhoek, if you want to get more adventurous!

5. Public transport isn’t perfect, but it’s good

MyCity Bus routes — each colour represents a different route

You cannot reach all of Cape Town via public transport, and to move among some of the main sections you may need to change from bus to train or train to bus. So, not perfect… But, most of the city is accessible through that combination — the train covers the Southern Suburbs down to the Indian Seaboard, while the MyCiti buses criss-cross the Atlantic Seaboard and City Centre. 

Both are very cheap, particularly the trains, which cost under R10 for any one-direction trip. It’s important to know that the train requires cash (many of the stops have no card machines), and the MyCiti requires a card which you top up. This card can be bought at any of the main stations.

Check out our article on public transport in Cape Town for more!

6. The street food is great

It’s a universal rule to be suspicious of a new country’s street food. It is, after all, the prime cause of food poisoning on vacation. But, if you skip on ours, just know that you’re missing out! Cape Town’s Cape Malay community is the main producer of street food, and it’s usually freshly baked koesusters, half moons and samosas. All are fantastic.

You’ll also find, in tiny stores off the street, classics like Gatsbies, bunny chow, and pap en wors. Be aware that all of our street food is pretty oily and carby — if that’s up your alley, you can’t go wrong with any of these! 

7. So are our restaurants

Desert at Winchester Hotel’s Harveys Restaurant

I’ve travelled all over Europe, and a little in Asia, and Cape Town’s restaurants are the best I’ve ever encountered. For quality, variety, experience, price, Cape Town’s food scene cannot be beat. There are some crappy places, for sure – like everywhere, you’ll find your McDonaldses and their ilk – but in general, in Cape Town you’ll find any kind of food you might want, and you’ll find it in extremely high quality, in wonderful settings, for what my European and American readers will consider a laughably low price. And this with the same friendliness you’ll find everywhere in the city.

Just to expand on that a bit, you can find (among many others!): South African (an obvious one), Greek, Italian, Ethiopian, Indian, Portuguese, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai. You’ll also easily find halaal and vegan spots.

Quick tip: tipping is expected here — 10% to be polite, 20% to be generous.

8. Very friendly people

South Africans always find it strange to travel overseas, because people seem so unfriendly. Like they hardly see you when they pass, like they have no interest in talking to you when they do so. It’s very unrelatable to many of us! Many South Africans smile to everyone they walk past, we quip about the weather, cute dogs, something we see, with strangers. We’re big chatters. 

Of course, if you look unapproachable you’ll probably not be approached. But if you throw out a few smiles to test the water, you’ll definitely get a few in return! We’re also an easy bunch to approach if you need directions or advice on where next.

9. Pristine marine ecosystem 

A Cape Radd citizen science snorkeling trip among the kelp

The coast of Cape Town is an incredible, pristine ecosystem that we put a lot of effort into studying and protecting. 

With over 2,000 types of fish, endemic sharks, and the magic of the kelp ecosystem, there is something really special about our ocean. It’s also fantastically diverse, thanks to the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans! The warm and cold waters meet at the tip of the coastline, which means that the two sides of Cape Town have very different conditions. 

Read next: Exploring Cape Town’s local marine wildlife

10. Many local initiatives invested in our social and environmental success

Volunteers cleaning up the Liesbeek River

This is one of my favourite facts about Cape Town! The locals kind of pick up where the government lets off, providing food, education, trauma counselling and therapy to many of our most vulnerable peoples. We also have groups protecting our coastline from mining (Protect the West Coast), rehabilitating endemic ecosystems (FynbosLife), organising alien hacks, and other initiatives. 

If you want to support any of these, check out our article on where to volunteer in Cape Town! 

The bad stuff

Of course, everyone knows that Cape Town isn’t pure perfection. We’re a country with extreme wealth disparity and many people living below the poverty line. Our infrastructure is outdated and underfunded (something our new government is aiming to change). And there are some definite safety issues.

11. We have a homelessness problem

There are an estimated 14 000 homeless people in the greater Cape Town area. We do not have the infrastructure to provide housing for our full populace, and many live directly on the streets, in tents, and in shacks. 

The City of Cape Town has implemented various programs to address homelessness, including shelters, temporary housing, and social services. However, these efforts fall short of the demand.

Numerous NGOs and community groups are also active in providing support, including food, shelter, medical care, and employment assistance. These organisations include The Haven Night Shelter and U-Turn Homeless Ministries. 

12. Regular power outages

I imagine that by now anyone planning a trip to South Africa knows about our power outages. Some months, they don’t happen at all. Some months, they hit for 8 hours of the day (split into 2-3 two-hour sessions). It can be really rough, but honestly, Cape Town has been adapting for years now, and most businesses and accommodation now have generators, solar panels, and other solutions. So, while you may be impacted by electricity cuts, you also may not notice it at all. 

13. Many people asking for money

As mentioned, the wealth disparity in South Africa is huge. It’s important to know that — Cape Town is often referred to as the Southernmost city in Europe because of the quality of our services. But we’ve also got an extreme poverty issue, with a massive unemployment rate which has only been growing in recent years. Because of this, you’ll come across many beggars in the streets. 

Many recommend not giving money to these beggars because they may use the money on alcohol and drugs, and also because you may be robbed when you pull out your wallet. However, there are so many who are neither addicts nor violent, and for these people some charity goes a long way. You could keep cash you’re happy to give away in your pocket to avoid the wallet issue.

You’ll also find that almost any time you park somewhere, there will be a parking guard who expects some change for watching your car. I recommend keeping R5-R10 rands to give these guards, as they’re trying to do something relatively productive and that money can go a long way for them. 

14. Issues with safety and petty theft

The unemployment problem and extreme wealth disparity in Cape Town and South Africa means that crime is unavoidable. Petty crime — like stealing your wallet or phone from your bag, holding you up for cash or phone, shoplifting and car theft (theft from a car, not of a car) — are all common in the city. 

This said, there are an increasing number of security measures to protect against petty crime in Cape Town, and the most popular areas for visitors are relatively safe. If you don’t have your phone out while walking on the street, keep your bag closed, and look reasonably alert, you should have no problems. 

Read my top tips and information on safety in Cape Town.

All you need to know about Cape Town

And that is it! Everything you need to know about Cape Town before you visit. It’s a beautiful, vibrant, complex city with so much to enjoy, but definitely a few issues too. 

If you think I’ve missed anything you think folks should know when planning their visit, please get in touch. I’d love to add it

The post 14 Things visitors should know about Cape Town appeared first on Wander Cape Town.

Ultimate Frisbee, or Ultimate for short, is a fast-paced and dynamic sport that combines teamwork and athleticism with the casual fun of throwing, flicking, or hammering a frisbee or disc (more on hammering later). What sets Ultimate apart is something called “Spirit of the Game”, an emphasis on fair play, camaraderie, and sportsmanship above all. 

In Cape Town, Ultimate has found a home in the city’s diverse parks, stunning beaches, and community spaces. Whether you’re a seasoned Ultimate player or just someone looking for a fun way to spend your free time, Cape Town’s Ultimate scene has something to get excited about.

By the end of this article, you will know more about Ultimate in Cape Town, its history and origins, what Ultimate is exactly, where to play, the community, some tips, and the unique culture that makes this sport more than just a game. 

Origins of Ultimate

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

Ultimate originated in the United States during the 1960s. It was initially developed by a group of high school students in New Jersey and has since grown into many different sporting endeavours. 

Over the years, Ultimate evolved, and formal rules were established, emphasising sportsmanship and fair play. The sport grew in popularity, spreading to colleges and universities, and eventually gained international recognition. Today, it’s played by millions of people worldwide in organised leagues, tournaments, and casual games.

What is Ultimate?

Photo by UCT Ultimate

Ultimate is a non-contact team sport combining elements of American Football and Netball, played with a frisbee. It is gender-neutral, accommodating both mixed and same-gender teams, which is an incredibly appealing aspect of the sport to many. The field, varying in size depending on player preference, features two end zones and a central zone. Official games involve seven players per side, but casual games can be adapted to player preferences as well.

The objective is to score points by catching the disc in the opponent’s end zone. To initiate a point, a team “pulls” (the only throw in Ultimate you can do while moving) the disc, and the opposing team has an opportunity to score. Players do their best to avoid contact and are encouraged to avoid plays that could be dangerous.

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

In Ultimate, there are usually only two positions labeled Handler and Cutter. Handlers are those who primarily throw the disc upfield to Cutters who are using their athletic ability to accelerate in one direction and change it rapidly to generate space between them and their mark to receive a pass. 

There are plenty of nuances that I could include but with what I have provided, you have more than enough information to find some friends, find a frisbee, find a space, and get your own game going! Check out the Ultimate Rules Cheat Sheet to get yourself up to speed.

Casual Ultimate in Cape Town

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

If you’re looking for a casual fix, I have you covered! Cape Town is host to a plethora of teams and communities that you can join to play casually. PickupUltimate is a terrific resource to use to learn about where games are taking place and who to contact if you need to find out more information.

Two of my favourite pickup games to attend are the UCT Friday Social and the Rondebosch Social Frisbee. These are great communities that are fun, easy, and open to all ages and levels of experience. Both have a WhatsApp group that they use to communicate times, locations, memes, and other information. Here are the UCT Friday Social and the Rondebosch Social Frisbee WhatsApp groups to get yourself involved! 

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

One of the best ways to learn and to play Ultimate is on the beach. Nothing quite compares to sand, sun, fun, and frisbee and Cape Town has some of the most beautiful Cape Town beaches to throw plastic. Clifton Beach Pickup is an all-time favourite of mine. Games are organised on their WhatsApp group and usually take place at Clifton 1st Beach on Sundays between 9 – 12 am. 

Alternatively, Hout Bay Pickup organises regular Ultimate games on the beach. This is a terrific option for those who find themselves on the other side of the mountain. These games are usually hosted at Hout Bay Beach or Ambleside Fields on Sundays between 4 – 6 p.m.

Competitive Ultimate in Cape Town

Photo by UCT Ultimate

Along with the casual coolness of Cape Town Ultimate, the competitive scene is always looking to grow and develop new players. Along with the regular leagues that take place in the summer and winter periods, there are plenty of tournaments to participate in too.

If you’re interested in playing competitively, you’ll need to sign up as a Cape Town Flying Disc Association (or CTFDA) member. You can sign up here to participate in any CTFDA-organised league or tournament. Check out the website for a bunch of cool events, informative resources, and points of contact to get involved.

One of the oldest competitive clubs in the Cape Town scene is Chilli Ultimate. They pride themselves on being pioneers, fierce competitors, and fair and spirited sportspeople. A close-knit, loyal family of Chillies is looking to welcome new (and experienced) players to the squad. Drop them a message on Facebook or Instagram to get involved.

Nomad Ultimate is one of the newest competitive Ultimate clubs to enter the fold. They are a group of alumni University of Cape Town students and pride themselves on clean competitive Ultimate while still having all the fun. If you are looking for like-minded young athletes, this is your port of call. Check out their Instagram page to find out more.

What do I need to play Ultimate?

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

As if Ultimate wasn’t appealing enough, this sport requires so little it’s almost silly. Sports like Tennis, Hockey, Rugby, and Cricket, amongst others, require a fair amount of equipment and specific fields to play. Ultimate, on the other hand, requires just a frisbee and an open space to play on. 

Sadly, it is tricky to find the official Ultimate Frisbee discs in South Africa, which has been a real issue for South Africans to acquire their WFDF-approved discs. Many Ultimate players need to look overseas to find the right one. Aria Discs is a great option as well as Discraft if you are looking to get your hands on an official disc. 

The Ultimate Frisbee Club at the University of Cape Town imports discs yearly from Discraft and has them available for sale to the general public. Drop UCT Ultimate a follow and a message and they’ll help you out! CTFDA usually has discs available for sale too.

Cleats (soccer boots) are a helpful addition but running shoes/trainers or bare feet work just as well. Any sort of exercise clothing works too however it is recommended that you bring both a light and dark shirt (white or black ideally). This is a standard practice in the Ultimate community to differentiate teams. 

Other than that, bring along lots of water (I always joke that Ultimate is HIIT with a disc, i.e. you will be doing a lot of sprinting), some snacks to replenish electrolytes, sunblock is useful for the fair-skinned, a hat, and all the enthusiasm you have.

Coaching and training resources

The internet is littered with resources that you can use to learn more about Ultimate and how it is played. From never having touched a disc to more technical and structural knowledge, there is a resource available online for you to find and explore. A quick “How to play Ultimate” on Google helped me immeasurably when I first learnt to call it a disc and not a frisbee (more than 6 years ago).

Here are two of those resources that I’ve ground my understanding of Ultimate. The first is How To Play Ultimate “Frisbee” created by a Belgium Ultimate club called Diabolic Heaven. This animation is a great tool to understand the basics of Ultimate visually. It’s only 2 minutes long so it is a fantastic intro if you have no clue what the sport of Ultimate looks like.

The second resource is a more detailed video intro video. How to Play Ultimate Frisbee for Beginners is a voice analysis done by Rowan McDonnell of the 2012 Club Championship Mixed Finals between Polar Bears and Blackbird. This is an awesome illustration of how Ultimate is played at the top level and broken down so that even the newest players can learn and understand.

Tips to up your Ultimate game

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

My biggest tip for any player at any level is to play. Just playing the game as much as you can will teach you how to catch, how to throw, and how to move on the field. You’ll meet so many different people with different perspectives that can contribute to your growth as an Ultimate player. 

If you are looking to take your game to the next level and become more serious about Ultimate, I would recommend that you find a team nearby that you can practise and play league matches with. This is a level-up from the previous tip and a great way to enter the competitive scene of Ultimate. 

If you are stressed for time and can’t commit to regular practices or games, getting your hands on your disc is a must to improve your throws. All you need is a buddy and an open space and you’re good to go. Not only is this a great pastime and a lot of fun, it is good exercise, great for hand-eye coordination, and a good reason to get outside and away from screens or sitting. Nothing quite as simple as a disc, a friend, and the beach has made me so easily happy. I highly recommend this tip. 

If you are getting into Ultimate and find yourself regularly attending practices and matches, cleats (Soccer boots, togs, studs, whatever you want to call them) are a must-have. Ideally, you want to find plastic studs. These will change your game as they allow you to accelerate more efficiently as well as change your direction without slipping and falling on your butt (I learnt the hard way, as you might tell). 

History of SA Ultimate

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

The annals of Ultimate in Cape Town tell tales that the first forms of the sport were initiated as early as the 1980s. At the time Prima Toys, one of South Africa’s largest importers of games and toys (who also had a license for Frisbees in South Africa), became heavily invested in disc sports such as Ultimate and FreeStyle (a sport and performing art characterised by creative, acrobatic, and athletic maneuvers with a flying disc). And while things looked like they were talking off, it did not last long. The sport slowly started to die as committed members started leaving and finding other ventures. However, thanks to members of the community like Justin Smith who was Chair of SAFDA (South Africa Flying Disc Association), the community was kept afloat. At the time, Justin and just a handful of people were playing as much as they could, wherever they could.

In late 1997, one of the regulars had a chance encounter with the Canadian Women’s Team coach. It was then that the seed of attending Worlds (the biggest international Ultimate Frisbee tournament that takes place once every four years) was planted, which they managed to attend the following year. 

“That tournament was the first proper Ultimate tournament most of us had ever played in,  and that became the springboard for Ultimate’s growth in Cape Town.” – Ant Pascoe, Former SAFDA Chair and Founder of Chilli Ultimate. 

Shortly after this, a development program sponsored by Truworths began to teach Ultimate at schools in Khayelitsha. Pindi Mey was instrumental in that program which saw young stars like Asanda Nanise, Asanda Ntshanga, and Thabane Vusane emerge as a new generation of talent. All the while Ultimate players were growing numbers slowly from the original base of 14 players.

The Cape Town Flying Disc Association was formed alongside SAFDA as Ryan Males, a key player at the time, left for Johannesburg and started to develop the sport there as well. This led to the first South African National Ultimate Tournament taking place in 2001. Four teams attended namely Big Strong Arm, Yellow Fever, Akkediske (from Stellenbosch), and International All Stars. 

Each year saw new members enter the community and some leave as well. Slowly but surely, the community grew and Ultimate maintained itself with regular leagues taking place each year as well as Nationals. South Africa, and Cape Town in particular, was able to send teams to Worlds in 1998, and 2000. In 2004, Khaya was the first junior team to attend, which was the product of those development programs and sponsorships from the Finnish embassy. 

Photo by Dharanidharan Dharanidharan

UCT hosted regular social games with minimal rules and formalities around this time. But by happenstance, a member of the Cape Town league passed by where they were playing and shared with them that this was a legitimate sport and gave them a bit more structure with the implementation of proper fields and a stall count (a 10-second count the defending player says out loud when marking a player with the disc).

“After joining the local league and pick-up games, a bunch of us decided to start a club at UCT and got together and it was done pretty quickly. We had a lot of help from sports admin and the first year was super boosted by a bunch of US exchange students in the mix.” – Nick Zaloumis, Former CTFDA Chair and League Coordinator. 

In 2010, UCT Ultimate was formed and became a pillar in the Ultimate community in Cape Town, hosting regular practices, social games, and a space for league matches to take place. Stellenbosch University followed shortly and attended league matches as well. 

Throughout 2010 and onwards, we have seen a few clubs form and leave as interest levels change with teams like Ghost, Catch-22, Salusa, Home Bru, Viking, and Northern Lights. Currently, the league has 6 – 8 teams participating regularly and many more teams attending Nationals as well! The rest is history. 

Ready to throw a disc?

Photo by Maties Ultimate

Ultimate is an incredibly fun and exhilarating sport that takes the best parts of sports we already know and love and throws a frisbee into the mix. The casual nature of the sport, the emphasis on fair play and sportsmanship, and the gender-mixed aspects make Ultimate appealing to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. 

It is worth mentioning that this article is not all exhaustive and I will have definitely missed a few things here and there. Cape Town is also littered with opportunities, communities, teams, leagues, and tournaments of all sorts for you to join and participate in. Whether it is the beach or the field, you can find something that suits you in our beautiful city!

The post Guide to playing ultimate frisbee in Cape Town appeared first on Wander Cape Town.

Many of our public holidays have deep roots in our country’s social and political struggles. For instance, Freedom Day is about remembering our first democratic elections in 1994, while Youth Day pays tribute to the young adults who fought and died for equal education during the Soweto Uprising. Days that we as a country should remember and celebrate as important moments in a difficult past.

New Year’s Day (January 1)

New Year’s Day in South Africa is a festive occasion celebrated globally, signifying the start of a new calendar year. Similar to traditions worldwide, South Africans usher in the New Year with parties, family gatherings, and spectacular fireworks displays. The day holds universal significance, allowing people to reflect on the past, set goals for the future, and embrace the promise of a fresh start.

Human Rights Day (March 21)

March 21st, Human Rights Day in South Africa, serves as a solemn remembrance of the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960. This tragic event unfolded when police fired on a peaceful anti-passbook protest in Sharpeville, resulting in 69 deaths and 180 wounded. The brutality of it became an early catalyst for the global anti-apartment movement, which was so influential in finally winning freedom.

Human Rights Day stands as an important reminder of the country’s struggle against apartheid and emphasizes the principles of human rights, equality, and dignity for all. It fosters reflection on the progress made and the ongoing commitment to a just and democratic society.

A still from video ‘Sharpeville: A Model Township’, 17 March 1990

Good Friday and Easter Monday

Good Friday, a Christian holiday observed worldwide, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In many South African households, it is a day for religious reflection and rituals. 

Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday, extending the holiday period for reflection, family gatherings, and outdoor activities. While not tied to specific historical events in South Africa, these days are marked by a blend of Christian traditions and leisure. You’ll find people in many parts of the country celebrating outdoors with friends and family, at beaches, parks, and other public spaces.

Freedom Day (April 27)

April 27th, Freedom Day, holds immense significance in South Africa, marking the transition from apartheid to democracy. It commemorates the first non-racial, democratic elections in 1994, symbolising the end of apartheid and the dawn of a new era of freedom, equality, and unity. 

Freedom Day is a time for reflection on the sacrifices made during the struggle for democracy and a celebration of the principles that underpin the country’s foundation.

Workers’ Day (May 1)

May 1st, Workers’ Day, globally celebrates the labour movement, and in South Africa, it honours the 1973 labour strike in Durban. This strike, fueled by protests against poor working conditions and apartheid restrictions on labour unions, marked a pivotal moment in the labour movement’s history. Workers’ Day underscores the contributions of labourers, advocating for fair practices and improved conditions while commemorating the historical struggles for workers’ rights. There’s still more to be fought for, in our unequal and 

Youth Day (June 17)

Youth Day on June 16th pays tribute to the pivotal role played by young people in the struggle against apartheid, particularly during the Soweto Uprising in 1976. The day emphasizes the importance of education, unity, and the rights of young South Africans. 

The Soweto Uprising, sparked by protests against mandatory Afrikaans instruction, resulted in tragic confrontations with the police. Youth Day commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of the youth, serving as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to education and social justice.

Creator: City Press | Credit: Getty Images; Copyright: 2013 Gallo Images (PTY) LTD

National Women’s Day (August 9)

National Women’s Day, observed on August 9th, commemorates the 1956 women’s march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria. The march protested against apartheid’s pass laws, part of the significant contributions of women to the struggle for freedom and equality in South Africa. 

This day celebrates the strength and resilience of South African women, emphasizing gender equality and acknowledging the pivotal role they played in shaping the nation’s history.

Protesters at the 1956 Women’s March; image sourced from The Civil Rights Movement of South Africa

Heritage Day (September 24)

Heritage Day, officially recognized as a public holiday in 1996, encourages South Africans to celebrate their diverse cultural heritage. Initially rooted in Shaka Day, which commemorated the Zulu king Shaka Zulu, Heritage Day expanded to include all cultural traditions in the post-apartheid era. On this day, people embrace and share their cultural practices, fostering understanding and unity among different cultural groups.

Day of Reconciliation (December 16)

The Day of Reconciliation, observed on December 16th, calls for reflection on South Africa’s history of division and conflict. Initially known as the Day of the Vow, commemorating the Battle of Blood River, it was transformed post-apartheid to promote national unity and reconciliation. 

The day symbolizes the country’s commitment to overcoming historical divisions, fostering forgiveness, and building a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Christmas Day in South Africa blends Christian traditions with cultural celebrations. Commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, it holds deep spiritual significance for many. In this multicultural and multi-religious society, Christmas involves festive decorations, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. We also have Christmas markets dotted around the city (although they’re not as impressive as the European markets, a lot smaller scale), and a switching on of the lights.

Day of Goodwill (Boxing Day) (December 26)

The Day of Goodwill, observed on December 26th, aligns with the global tradition of Boxing Day. Rooted in acts of charity and kindness, South Africans use this day to give back to their communities. While the historical origins of the term “Boxing Day” are debated, its emphasis on charitable actions resonates with the broader values of social responsibility and community involvement. It serves as a meaningful addition to the holiday season, reinforcing the spirit of generosity and goodwill.

If you want to give back on Boxing Day, your community will likely have an initiative to join — or you can check out our guide on where to volunteer in Cape Town.

Celebrate our public holidays

While there aren’t public events to join for every public holiday in South Africa — particularly not outside of the cities — every workplace should provide leave on these days.

Celebrate with your friends and families, look into the history of these days and why they’re so important to us, and consider doing some good for your fellow South Africans.

The post Guide to public holidays in South Africa for 2024 appeared first on Wander Cape Town.

We’ve divided this article into 4 different niches – with information on which are short-term and which are long-term – to help you find the right fit for you. We also got in contact with some of the featured NGOs to tell us a bit about themselves and their mission! 

Environmental organisations

You’ll be very happy to know that while Cape Town faces some serious ecological challenges, there are also many restoration and rehabilitation projects on the go! Check out this guest post on sites of ecosystem rehabilitation in Cape Town, and read on for some of the best ways to participate in these projects.

Volunteer Wildfire Services

Fighting wildfires – trained and on-call for the season/year | Free & long-term

If you’re a Capetonian looking to make a big difference, the Volunteer Wildfire Services is a fantastic initiative to support. This organisation is called out to fight any fire that starts up in our mountains. It’s the best line of defence against the loss of fynbos species and other environmental issues that arise with overly frequent wildfires. 

They take in volunteers once a year, generally around March and April, and you’re trained up to be able to hike to the fire if necessary, combat it without water, and then return by foot. It can be gruelling work, lasting many hours. So volunteering with them is not for the faint of heart! You also need to be available reasonably often and be willing and able to train and give this real time and effort. You can sign up by completing this form. Please go through their website before doing so as there are specific requirements! 

But if you can, you’ll be making a real difference! It’s also an amazing bonding experience with your fellow firefighters, and exceedingly satisfactory, coming home exhausted after a long day of battling fires.

“The Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) has been on the front line, combating dangerous and sometimes deadly runaway wildfires since its inception during the devastating fires that ravaged Cape Town in 1999/2000. With a force of more than 300 volunteers, with women making up 34% of our volunteers, who operate from our four stations, Newlands, South Peninsula, Stellenbosch and Helderberg VWS is the largest volunteer firefighting organisation in South Africa.

Thanks to our unwavering commitment, VWS has recorded close to 100,000 active firefighting hours between its members and stations, showing that nothing can stand in our way when it comes to protecting our beloved communities and natural landscapes.”

— Jenny Scheffers, Chief Marketing Officer

Friends of Tokai Alien Hack

Alien plant-hacking | Free & short-term

A fantastic way to get your hands dirty, the Tokai alien plant hack happens twice a week, on Tuesdays and some Saturdays. You’ll need to bring sturdy gloves and shoes, and if you have the tools, be sure to bring them along! 

Friends of Tokai are doing some really great work, steadily removing the alien vegetation in the area so that the native plantlife has a chance to thrive.

If you want to support but can’t volunteer, you can also support them on social media or donate!

“Every species has its own right to exist, and we have a responsibility to protect those that we have driven to the brink of extinction… Due to being both incredibly species-rich and at threat, [Tokai Park] is the perfect place for us to focus on conservation and restoration locally. We should be doing all we can to establish minimum viable populations for these remaining species, removing the pines and seeing what other species, or populations, may recover once the pines are gone. The soil under the pines is like a time capsule waiting to be opened, but if we take too long fighting about it (i.e. whether the pines should go or stay), the last of those seeds could expire at any time. We could lose this time capsule of the natural heritage from our past.” 

— Alanna Rebelo, Committee Member

Friends of The Liesbeek River

River cleanups and rehabilitation | Free; short-term or long-term

Photo by Callum Evans

Another wonderful ongoing environmental rehabilitation project in Cape Town! For the past few years, locals have been putting a lot of effort into rehabilitating the Liesbeek as a green corridor flowing through Cape Town. And there’s still a lot of work to be done! 

FoTR arranges regular river and canal cleanups, as well as alien hacks and indigenous vegetation replanting. It’s such an incredible project for our city’s biodiversity and allows native plant and animal life to thrive. 

Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates and volunteering opportunities, or become a member if you’re able to help more long-term!

There are other ‘Friends of’ groups all over Cape Town, dedicated to sustaining and improving our city’s incredible biodiversity. The map below shows you where you can find one closer to you! I’m not sure who created this fantastic resource, but I discovered it here.

Greenpop forest restoration

Forest restoration and greening urban spaces | Paid & short-term

Greenpop is a Cape Town-based reforestation and urban greening initiative. The main aim is to plant trees, and they host yearly events where you as an individual or a company can go and plant trees and learn more about sustainable practices as you do. They also work with communities to create food gardens, green urban spaces, and restore forests and fynbos. All very good things!

This is, however, a paid volunteering opportunity – which is fair, if you can’t offer any particular skills and are using it as a learning experience – but it’s good to keep in mind that this won’t be free.

“Greenpop is on a mission to restore indigenous forests and green urban spaces and share our passion for the cultivation of environmental stewards. By getting citizens ACTIVE, not anxious, about the state of our environment, we hope to show people that even the smallest contributions can have long-lasting, positive impacts on our local biodiversity, our native ecosystems, and ourselves. By engaging in restorative activities as a collective, we move past the paradigm of separateness and stand together to bring forth valuable change, externally and internally.

— Michiel Grobler, Forest Restoration Project Manager

Marine conservation

The ocean off Cape Town’s coast remains one of the most pristine and diverse marine ecosystems in the world. It’s not easy to keep it that way, though, with fracking, trawling, overfishing, and pollution a constant threat. 

Fortunately, there are some local conservation groups fighting the good fight! These are the groups you can help out – although there are certainly more who take (and greatly benefit from) donations.

Sea The Bigger Picture

Beach cleanup events | Free & short-term

Photo of a Sea The Bigger Picture cleanup, courtesy of Callum Evans

Plastic pollution has become one of the biggest threats facing the oceans of the world. While it has its biggest impacts out at sea, it is most obvious when it washes up on our local beaches. In Cape Town, it is sadly a common sight to find both macro and microplastic on beaches. 

The plastic is transported to the beaches via rivers and stormwater drains, by beach-goers, and washed up by the sea. Fortunately, a number of local organisations have worked to tackle this issue. 

Some organisations, like the Beach Co-Op, focus on targeted beach cleanups. People are encouraged to show up and help pick up as much waste as possible. What is collected is then sent off to be recycled or dropped off at a landfill. Several other organisations, like the I Am Water Foundation and Sea The Bigger Picture, focus more on educating local school children about the ocean, marine science, and the threats it faces. Sea The Bigger Picture is also involved in beach clean-up events, often working in collaboration with other ocean-based organisations like CapeRADD. 

The impact these organisations have extends far beyond removing plastic waste from the oceans and beaches. People attending the cleanups get to see firsthand the extent of the plastic problem and what items of plastic have the biggest impact. Slowly, minds and attitudes can change and people become more aware. There is now a demand for more environmentally-friendly packaging options and products that are plastic-free. 

Cape RADD

Voluntourism, documenting endemic sharks and fish | Paid & short-term

Cape RADD is a marine research centre offering, among longer projects, paid voluntourism eco trips in False Bay – you’ll join their team for a snorkelling trip with the aim of documenting the local shark population! Don’t worry, we’re not talking great whites here. Rather, gully sharks and spotted shy sharks and similar, each too small for stress! 

It’s a lovely trip – my husband and I joined them this spring, and while we, unfortunately, didn’t spot any sharks on an unusually choppy water day, we did learn a lot about them and spot some other beautiful creatures among the kelp.

This local research facility also offers longer multi-week volunteering programs where you’ll document endemic fish and sharks, measure microplastic densities, and join ongoing conservation projects.

Humanitarian aid

If your heart is with humanity, there are a number of ways you can help the people of Cape Town. 

Haven Night Shelter

Volunteering with the homeless | Free & long-term

The Haven Night Shelter is the Cape Town homeless’ best opportunity for a bed and a meal every day. They have shelters across the city, charging those who stay R15/night to encourage taking responsibility and seeking work. 

In addition to shelter, Haven provides rehabilitation opportunities, social welfare services, and family reunification services.

If you’re able and willing to volunteer regularly with them, get in contact and they’ll find a role that suits your skills.

Etafeni

Multi-purpose care centre for disadvantaged children | Free & short-term

Etafeni is a multi-purpose centre for children affected by AIDS and their caregivers in Nyanga, Cape Town, South Africa. Nyanga used to be one of the highest crime rate areas in Cape Town but through the efforts of organisations like Etafeni, we are seeing slow improvements by community members to alleviate poverty and create job opportunities. Opportunities like sewing training, food gardens, early childhood development, and after-school programs, Etafeni is committed to uplifting the community and making small differences for locals of Nyanga. 

Volunteers are welcome at Etafeni! There is plenty to be done like reading and playing, skill sharing, food garden assistance, food collection, and so much more! Check out their volunteer page for more information. 

Ladles of Love 

Soup kitchen volunteering and community uplift projects | Free & short-term

The Ladles of Love project is predominantly involved in providing nutritious and wholesome food that is available for all. They also support local farmers to grow natural, wholesome food in an economical and sustainable way, as well as empower food entrepreneurs to grow businesses that create jobs and contribute to the economy of our country.

Ladles regularly provides opportunities for the public to become involved in preparing meals (chopping vegetables, making sandwiches, packing dry food packages, and much more) and serving meals to the homeless and those in need.

You can get involved by signing up as a volunteer on their webpage and becoming a member of their WhatsApp volunteer group chat. 

“Ladles of Love was founded back in July 2014 on the basis of an ancient Sanskrit word, Seva, meaning giving of yourself wanting nothing in return. It was upon learning this word and an interaction with a homeless man that inspired Danny Diliberto to start a soup kitchen. What started as a single pot of soup outside his restaurant to 70 homeless people, has grown into one of the most prolific food relief organisations in South Africa.”

— Daniele Diliberto, CEO & Founder

Read our interview with Danny Diliberto here!

Ikhaya Le Themba 

After-school facility for disadvantaged children in Imizamo Yethu | Free & short-term

Ikhaya Le Themba is an after-school facility that provides education, care, and sporting opportunities to children living in the Imizamo Yethu township in Hout Bay. Their vision is to provide a safe and nurturing space for vulnerable and orphaned children to learn and grow and to encourage them to apply the skills they learn there in their homes.

The Ikhaya doors open at 1 p.m. each weekday and provide educational and holistic support, homework help, literacy, and numeracy labs as well as life skills, gardening with psycho-social activities, structured play, and counselling.

Volunteers are crucial at Ikhaya and help with homework labs, games, fun and sports, reading practice, and experience sharing where you share your knowledge with the kids and they can share their stories with you. 

You can sign up as a volunteer by completing this application form and sending it here.

“Right in the centre of the cultural hotspot of Imizamo Yethu in Hout Bay, a small township of 100,000 people with big hearts, is iKhaya Le Themba. We are the family for over 100 children whose carers are at work or struggle to provide for them after school, providing homework help, tonnes of fun, exploration, and activities for free time on our beautiful safe campus, a hot meal full of protein and then an hour of extra schoolwork based on their needs to cover the gaps of our overwhelmed school system. 

Ikhaya Le Themba means Home of Hope – and this place seriously shows up as the hope of the future of South Africa. Spend time volunteering with us and you’ll experience joy, hope and tangibly see the good of South Africa as we build South Africa’s next best leaders.”

— Sara Clarke, Director

Animal welfare

Animal welfare often falls by the wayside when there are so many environmental and social challenges. But there are many animals that need love and care! This list will give you a few options for you to choose from based on your location and ability to give time.

DARG (Domestic Animal Rescue Group)

Dog walking and various volunteer roles| Free & long-term

DARG is a pro-quality-of-life animal shelter based in Hout Bay, Cape Town. It provides veterinary care, food, and shelter to animals in need, and works to find them loving, permanent homes. The organization also offers education and outreach programs to raise awareness about animal welfare issues in the community.

DARG relies on donations and volunteers to support its work. Their volunteer times for dog walking are between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. You can also brush dogs and cats, organize donation rounds in your community, or even just sit with the animals and show them some love! They’ve got a really flexible arrangement so that you can contribute in a way that works for you. Email the DARG Office and Adoptions desk for more information.

“Besides our focus on sterilisations, medical care, and education, our goal is to find loving homes for dogs and cats that come into our shelter. Animal welfare is a tough industry and we deal with weekly cases of neglect and abuse: But, seeing our animals go to loving ‘forever’ homes makes all our efforts worthwhile! We really need individuals to come in and adopt instead of buying a dog from a breeder. 

Often we are asked how someone can help: For individuals who can’t adopt, DARG always welcomes volunteers (18 and over) to come and walk our dogs and/or spend time with our cats. DARG is also always in need of second-hand books and household goods, clothing, etc. for our small garage shop.” 

— Faustina Gardner  

TEARS (The Emma Animal Rescue Society)

Animal rescue and welfare volunteering | Free & long-term

TEARS operates a shelter and adoption centre for abandoned, abused, and neglected animals, and also runs mobile clinics that provide veterinary care to animals in low-income communities. The organization also offers a pet sterilization program to help reduce pet overpopulation, as well as humane education programs to raise awareness about animal welfare issues in the community.

In addition to its animal welfare work, TEARS has also established a program to provide assistance to the pets of people living in low-income communities and works to promote responsible pet ownership through public education campaigns.

TEARS relies on donations and volunteers to support its work. You can help with tasks such as feeding, cleaning, exercising, and socializing the animals. You can also contribute to fundraising initiatives. 

“TEARS Animal Rescue started 24 years ago with a dream to uplift the lives of animals suffering and living in impoverished areas. Armed with a bucket of tick dip and a packet of de-worming tablets, Emma Geary-Cooke, Joan Bown, and Marilyn Hoole visited the under-resourced community of Masiphumelele. Seeing the great need motivated these heroes to start one of our country’s leading animal welfare organizations. As a pro-life, non-profit organization, our core aim is to rescue, treat, rehabilitate, and rehome lost, abandoned, abused, and neglected companion pets and to educate our communities about compassionate animal care.”

—Odette Visser, Marketing & Events Coordinator

Animal Anti-cruelty League

Animal shelter and adoption volunteering | Free & short term

The AACL is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1956 with the aim of preventing cruelty to animals and promoting their welfare.

The organization provides a range of animal welfare services, including the sheltering of abandoned and neglected animals who receive care and rehabilitation and then also works to find permanent homes for these animals through adoption programs;  low-cost veterinary services, including vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, and emergency care; educational programs to raise awareness about animal welfare issues and promote responsible pet ownership; perhaps most importantly, they investigate and prosecute cases of animal cruelty, working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.

Volunteering is welcome to both children and adults! Volunteer work helps with socialising the animals as well as feeding, bathing, walking, and much more. As a volunteer, you will go through a brief orientation about the importance of these roles in socialising animals. Learn more from their volunteer page or email their info desk.

Volunteer your time

Being involved in your community has been shown to have many personal benefits but also it is an awesome way to give back. With this list, we hope that you can find something that really excites you and helps you choose your next volunteer opportunity. If you know of anything we missed, please get in contact. We’d love to expand this list!

This article was written in collaboration with Justin Peach, our communications manager, who sourced all of these lovely insights from featured NGOs. Big thanks to Justin, and to all of the people who contributed!

The post Where to Volunteer in Cape Town appeared first on Wander Cape Town.

The post Cape Town’s indigenous plantlife | Local flora and conservation efforts appeared first on Wander Cape Town.

Making change in our daily lives can be challenging, particularly for those of us who live on a tight budget. But it is possible, to greater and lesser extents for each of us. You can’t tick everything off, but small shifts are still shifts!

So, let’s get into the various areas where you can make change towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

Food & Diet

This is an area we can make some really substantial change! If you shop at supermarkets you’ll know that the fresh fruit and veg usually comes in plastic – and many of the other products have been transported from all over the world.

Since we have to do it three times daily, we tend to be pretty stuck in our eating habits. It simply takes a lot less time and thought to do what we already know.

But making changes in our food habits is not only helpful, it’s also quite exciting and rewarding! So what exactly can you do?

Plastic-free fruit and veg delivery from Lippy’s

• Use reusable bags instead of getting plastic ones every time. If you fold them up tight they pack easily into even a very small handbag, and they’re a whole lot sturdier – no more split bags and dropped groceries!
• Buy reusable mesh bags for your fresh produce, and then remember to actually bring them with you (I forgot mine consistently for about three months before I finally got into a groove)
• Better yet, buy your produce from a local small business like Muizenberg Kitchen
• Consider overhauling all of your food shopping (not just the produce), and shop at an online grocery store like Think Organic – that way you know everything’s local
• Eat less meat – it’s best to have smaller portions of meat, and some meat-free days. In addition to its environmental impact, including meat in every meal really does block off a whole lot of very interesting and tasty meals that simply don’t go very well with meat. Try some Mediterranean cuisine!
• Don’t buy takeaways – unfortunately, most places use tons of plastic packaging; we buy frozen pizza bases and frozen dumplings instead (two favourites) for when we’re really not in the mood to make a whole meal but still want a treat
• Eat local and green-listed fish like Angelfish, Cape Hake, and Dorado
• Grow your own herbs – they’re super apartment-friendly
• If you have a garden, consider growing more of your own food
• Learn to preserve your food before it goes off – we don’t all have the time to do much preserving, but I always freeze any fruit that I’m not going to get to in time, and later make smoothies and sorbets with them!

Shopping

This is one of the most important areas you can make change in – with, of course, a lot of overlap with other categories!

Exploring Hout Bay in my mum’s old skirt, and a top and hat from local small brands, Titch and Solrise

• Buy local wherever possible
• As with food, bring reusable bags whenever you go shopping to avoid single-use plastic bags
• Buy fewer clothes – this is a really important one; fast fashion is a totally unsustainable and very damaging practice, and we simply don’t need the amount of clothes we’re buying
• Buy from local businesses – we have a lot of local sustainable brands doing great work. By buying from them, you get something beautiful, durable and well-made, and support Capetonian artisans, seamstresses, and even textile manufacturers (an industry that took a massive knock with the introduction of international brands and their cheap textiles). You’re also not supporting exploitative practices!
• Buy second-hand – we have fantastic monthly second-hand markets, along with second-hand stores dotted around the city

Energy

Energy is a resource we clearly don’t have enough of in South Africa, considering all the power outages! I’d recommend you get the EskomSePush app to always know when the next loadshedding is going to strike, and to follow the tips below!

• Wash only full loads of laundry and at colder temperatures
• In summer, use a fan instead of an air conditioner. Cape Town’s weather is some of the best in the world, and there are very few days where an air conditioner is ‘necessary’
• Switch your geyser off when you’re not using it – we switch ours on for about an hour a day and it’s plenty for two people. You may need it on a little longer for a larger family, but not much more
• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use
• If you have the finances, consider investing in renewable energy systems – it helps you avoid the inconvenience of power outages, increases the share of renewables in our power generation, and reduces the load on the national grid!

Read next: Local business’ guide to going green

Transportation

Transportation produces a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions and contributes a lot to Cape Town’s air pollution (so noticeable on a windless day!). Unfortunately, Cape Town is a city largely designed for cars, with sprawling neighbourhoods and an incomplete, sometimes dangerous public transport sector. So, what can you do?

The MyCiti bus, one of our main forms of public transport

• Walk wherever possible – I’ve never had my own car before (and don’t have a license) so I’m used to doing a lot of walking. And it’s a great option in much of the city!
• Take the MyCiti bus where you can – it’s an excellent service in all the areas it covers
• Use a bicycle for smaller trips
• Catch the train when you’re travelling during the day and not in a hurry – the train timetable is not often adhered to, but trains are a good way to get around a large part of the city. As long as you’re travelling during the day and there are other people in the train car with you, it’s a safe and good option. I took it for years!
• Catch a minibus taxi – this is another form of public transport I’ve used for years, even to get to Cape Town from Oudtshoorn! It’s cheap and efficient, although taxi drivers aren’t always the most careful road users.

You can read more safety tips for Cape Town here

Personal Care

Personal care products often come with excess packaging and contain harsh and harmful chemicals. They’re also disproportionately animal-tested. Thankfully, Cape Town has a lot of entrepreneurs with their minds on better alternatives.

A few of my favourite local personal care and cleaning products

• Buy reusable, package-free or bulk-packaged products where possible
• Buy local and gentle care products from places like Nudefoods – these include creams, shampoo and conditioner bars (which my husband and I use), soaps, etc.
• You can even learn to make your own
• Buy cruelty-free products and check the back for harmful chemicals

Cleaning

Your daily chores and household tasks have an environmental impact of their own, particularly because of the harmful chemicals they commonly use.

• Replace paper towels with reusable and washable towels
• Hang wet clothes rather than tumble-drying them – the African sun should do the trick!
• Buy cleaning products that use natural, non-harmful ingredients – EarthSap is a great South African brand
• You can also make your own cleaning products

Waste Diversion

Of the famous reduce, reuse, recycle slogan, ‘recycle’ is by far the least effective. It’s the last thing you should do once the lifecycle of your things has reached its absolute end. This is particularly important in South Africa, where our recycling plants have limited capacity and efficiency.

• Donate unwanted clothes and other items – even torn or holed clothes are sold on as rags for builders and mechanics
• If you have a garden, start composting
• Check what plastics can actually be recycled (it’s not very many) and avoid throwing others into the recycling bins, to reduce bin contamination and sorting time
• Wash and save jars rather than throwing them away or recycling them. If there’s one thing a house always seems to need, it’s more storage space! Plus, if you shop at a place like Nudefoods, you can actually reuse those jars directly to bring home foodstuffs
• Get crafty!

Waste Reduction

Reducing the amount of waste you and your household produces is one of the most important things you can do to live more sustainably.

By reducing your consumption, you take a little piece out of the whole supply chain from extraction, to manufacturing, to shipping, to sale. And of course, reducing consumption this way also greatly reduces how much you’re sending down the waste stream. On top of all that, buying less means spending less – no matter what sharky advertisers try to tell you!

By following what you can of the tips above, you’ll already be reducing your waste. But here are some additional tips for the dedicated:

• Use a reusable water bottle and coffee mug/thermos (if you buy coffee on the go)
• Upcycle old clothing into new and useful things – like fun braided dog toys – instead of buying those things new
• Use reusable shopping bags – seriously, they’re better in every way
• Buy refills where you can – places like Nudefoods has vats of laundry detergent, hand soap, olive oil, and a bunch of other things, so that’s a great place to source refillable products. They’re also not at all overpriced, despite looking a bit intimidatingly gentrified

Water

Anyone who lived in Cape Town during the 2018 drought will know how much we can reduce our water consumption when we really need to – and also how kak it can be when a shortage of something so fundamental happens.

Water is also one of those scary things that we’ll face regular shortages of as global climate change speeds up. So building a community that is conscious and careful with the water we have is really important.

I might be preaching to the choir here, but here are some valuable tips for reducing your water consumption.

• Turn the tap off when you’re brushing your teeth, washing your hands, or shaving
• Turn the shower water off while you wash your hair, and then again for conditioning – since the drought, I even turn it off when soaping up
• Use captured rainwater or greywater to water the plants
• Consider investing in a Jojo tank – or if you rent a house, ask your landlord if they’d invest in one. My parents have one and the landlord is happy to buy a second, so it’s definitely worth checking
• Only do full loads of laundry and dishes – if you have a dishwasher, fill it up all the way before turning it on and use the slower eco-friendly setting

What you can do within your community or friend group

Community – whether friends, family or peers – is important to a sustainable, low-impact life. Particularly one that is achievable without focused sacrifice and expense. Give some thought to what your friend group or community can do together, to reduce your dependence on commercial products, and shift towards a better lifestyle.

Every community is different, and many will already be working together sustainably. Particularly among poorer South African communities, where a lack of access has led to creative and communal solutions. But here are a few ideas you can consider.

• Do a clothes swap – we tend to get bored of (or outgrow) our clothes long before they’re damaged or ruined. So, arrange a clothes swap with your friends, and give your garments a new life! Add some wine and a potjiekos or braai, and it’s a fantastic Saturday.
• Try a gear swap – everyone posts what they need for a new project on a whatsapp group for the purpose, and friends can respond if they have it available. It should be a relatively small group, and one where friends feel accountable for returning the gear; otherwise you might end up with a few problems!
• Consider project days – everyone gets together to make preserves, soap, plant propagations, etc. (basically, anything that requires quite a lot of resources and work); this way you can all learn together, make a fun day of it, and be ready for the apocalypse (jk!)
• Drive together when you can
• Arrange a skill swap – leading on from the gear swap, you might find a skill swap to be a natural progression. Swap a hole fix of your favourite jersey for a haircut, or a shelf put together for help painting a room. These kinds of things can be great ways to bond and get to know sides of each other you might not normally come into contact with. They’re also fun!

Living an environmentally friendly lifestyle in Cape Town

There you have it, my top recommendations for living sustainably in Cape Town. Most of these apply generally, but I’ve tried to include city-specific information where it’s helpful.

Of course, you’ll find that some of these tips apply to you, and some of them really don’t. Maybe you don’t live in a pedestrian-friendly area, or local brands that can’t price their products to compete with cheap foreign goods are out of your budget, even when you’re reducing your intake. Maybe pickling food and making shampoo sound like a waking nightmare to you! But while some tips will be out of reach, there are sure to be others you can put to good use.

It’s easy to get disheartened looking at the monolithic sets of lifestyle changes that articles like this tend to put out, and the doomed “we all need to do all of this all at once right now or we all DIE” language that often accompanies them. But any one thing you can do is a good thing. Any difference is a worthwhile one.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the read, and if I’ve missed any great tips that you swear by, please let me know!

The post Guide to living sustainably in Cape Town appeared first on Wander Cape Town.

There are arguably two reasons for this: firstly, people often have a natural reluctance to engage with the implications of climate and ecological breakdown. In other words, very few people can ‘get in the zone’ to acknowledge the danger that faces humanity. Secondly, very few people, when confronted with what’s necessary to avoid this breakdown, are willing to do it.

Environmental collapse

To set the scene for how to get in the zone, you can read this article by Professors James Dyke, Robert Watson and Wolfgang Knorr who at one point in the article state, “We have since been told by some scientists that the Paris Agreement was “of course important for climate justice but unworkable” and “a complete shock, no one thought limiting to 1.5°C was possible”. Rather than being able to limit warming to 1.5°C, a senior academic involved in the IPCC concluded we were heading beyond 3°C by the end of this century.”

What this means is that for the past 6 years, we have been systematically lied to about governments’ and businesses’ commitments to remain under 1.5°C, when it is largely regarded as impossible. The obvious question is why the world’s experts and governments would not come out and say this. The simple answer is that established institutions are reluctant to ‘rock the boat’.

From the 1^st to the 12^th of November, the world will convene in Glasgow for the 26^th and the most important Conference of the Parties (COP) yet.

Another recent paper, published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS) states that the mean human-experienced temperature rise by 2070 will amount to 7.5°C, about 2.3 times the mean global temperature rise.

This is largely due to the fact that land warms much faster than the oceans but also because population growth is expected to be predominantly in hotter places. What that means is essentially one billion people being displaced. To understand the implications of this displacement, you need only look at the historical example of Syria where about 10% of those affected died. The collapse of governance and desperation created by these conditions results in starvation, failure to provide basic services, and often violence.

There are many papers that could be cited to describe these conditions but what these two examples illustrate is that firstly, we have been lied to about how bad things are. The second is that the possibility of how bad things could be is beyond appalling – social collapse within the next 10 to 20 years.

The urgency of doing something now

The reality of what needs to be done to avoid this is summed up in this quote by Sir David King, former Chief Scientific Advisor to the UK Government, “We have to move quickly. What we do, I believe, in the next three to four years will determine the future of humanity”.

The reason why the timeframes are so much smaller than landmarks such as 2050 is because feedback loops are continually proving how quickly the global climate and ecological systems are collapsing. The Greenland ice sheets, the destruction of Amazon rainforests, the warming of permafrost across Siberia, the bleaching of coral reefs and many others are speeding us towards the tipping point.

The other problem we have is that we have no precedent for what we have to do to address this crisis. Take the example of apartheid. The majority of people in this country and abroad agreed that apartheid was appalling and had to end immediately. The difference between apartheid and climate change is that apartheid does not get exponentially worse for every year we delayed action.

That’s the challenge we have with climate change, we either do what is needed now or lose the opportunity to deal with it at all.

My parents fought the apartheid regime and they knew that once we got rid of the National Party, things broadly get better. That’s not a luxury we have with the climate crisis; if we don’t do what is necessary in the next three or four years, things become unimaginably bad for the next ten thousand.

Examples we can pull from the past: doing what’s necessary

This highlights the second issue that prevents people from acting, getting a coalition of the willing to do what’s necessary. The good news is that it is entirely possible to do what is necessary. Because when societies have been faced with systemic injustices and possible annihilation in the past, people have taken necessary actions to veer trajectories and save themselves.

There are many examples that could be cited here to highlight what was done and what was needed but this article will just focus on a few to draw some important characteristics.

The Freedom Riders

The first example is of the Freedom Riders in the USA, a group of about 13 black and white people who decided to come together and ride a bus into the most racist state in the USA, which was Alabama at the time. They were subsequently beaten, the bus was set on fire and they were arrested. But three days later, 24 students decided to replicate that demonstration. This created a cascade of actions because people risked their lives and their freedom.

There are three important points that this example highlights. The first is that you have to be prepared to do whatever it takes, provided that your actions are non-violent. The second is that when you decide to take action, you motivate it by reminding yourself that we cannot afford to lose. The last is that you only need a small group of highly committed people to make a significant change.

The Sharpeville Massacre

The second example is the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa, where about 3000 black people decided to destroy their pass books to protest against the policing of their movements under the apartheid regime. Their goal was to be arrested en masse. 69 people were murdered that day and there was a global outcry from the international community. This event is regarded by some historians as the turning point of the anti-apartheid struggle.

Again, this example highlights similar points as raised above. People recognized what needed to be done and did not take half-measures to do it. They also recognized that they cannot afford to lose because the young people in that crowd could not bear the thought of living under the apartheid regime for another 40 years.

Creating political will

These two examples identify something that has been absent from the climate movement so far – creating political will. Take this clip with Atlantic staff writer Olga Khazan that highlights the problem with the climate movement. Think back to how many examples we’ve heard of people saying ‘we understand the problem, we have the solutions, and all we need is the political will’.

The problem is that the climate movement has been ineffective in building political will, partly because very few have tried to define it and have the experience to pursue it.

The point I’m making here is that conventional climate campaigning is objectively ineffective.

One type of campaigning, called consciousness raising, is a good example of why the climate movement has been so ineffective. Consciousness raising is about assuming many people don’t know about climate change so movements go into communities, run workshops, and create communication material to inform people about the problem.

There is nothing inherently wrong with this strategy, in fact it is necessary in any movement. The problem is that it’s insufficient despite being necessary. The problem is that people already know the situation is dangerous but what people aren’t given is a strategy that will lead to significant outcomes.

Turning to civil resistance

The strategy is disruption – more specifically, non-violent civil disobedience. Non-violent civil disobedience is effective because, when it comes to climate and ecological collapse, we are dealing with entrenched power. Entrenched power is not changed through persuasion but, as history shows, is changed through direct power conflict.

In other words, you cannot persuade the political and economic elite to move fast enough. It must be forced through civil resistance. It is true that movements must highlight the problem, and identify what needs to be done but unless they engage in non-violent civil disobedience, they are objectively not doing enough.

Civil resistance in South Africa

In South Africa, what is often heard when the idea of non-violent civil disobedience is raised as a strategy is that either people don’t care enough about climate change or that people aren’t interested in getting arrested.

The problem with this assumption is that it does not acknowledge that there is really only one small movement who are offering people an opportunity to engage in non-violent civil disobedience. When there aren’t options for people to partake in, they become despondent and don’t participate.

Extinction Rebellion South Africa, despite its shortcomings, is the only option available to people in South Africa to engage in material action to address the climate and ecological emergency. In other words, everyone hates what is happening but there are no mechanisms for them to support.

The mechanisms that are present are comfortable for people to participate in. For example, Fridays for Future typically organizes marches, pickets, performative demonstrations and attempts to highlight the importance of the climate and ecological crisis. The problem is that comfortable demonstrations don’t force change.

Six elements of a civil resistance movement

The model of civil resistance that needs to be pursued is not guaranteed to work but has a higher probability of forcing change than traditional campaigning in South Africa. This model has six key elements that all have to be part of the movement. In other words, we cannot cherry pick the elements, they all need to be integrated into the movement.

1. A civil resistance episode has to be organized by a small group of people (fewer than 10)

The reason why this is crucial can be pinned down to the expression ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’. When you get more than 10 people involved, you get too many dynamics entering the organizing capacity, which inevitably slow any progress.

Large groups or climate coalitions in South Africa include the Climate Justice Coalition and the Climate Justice Charter Movement. Both of these have organized themselves to be representative of civil society, labour and affected communities. These movements are based on grassroots struggles but because of how many groups are represented, they are unlikely to build effective civil resistance models. It is difficult for these groups to take bigger risks because of their reputations and responsibilities

The reason small groups are more effective at organizing civil resistance models is because they can act fast. They can act fast because a small group of people can easily reach consensus on an action idea, mobilization and framing.

There is nothing wrong with large groups and the two movements I mentioned do an important job of ensuring participation and representation. The point here is that to do what is necessary (material civil resistance) will require significant risk to be taken and that is more likely to come from small groups.

2. Your strategy should be designed when your opposition is weak

The opposition, South Africa’s government and extractive private sector, is weakest in moments when they have to push the systemic lie mentioned at the start of this piece. COP 26 kicks off on November 1 where global leaders gather to speak about how they will address climate change. Ramaphosa will not be part of the contingent but has put out three statements on climate change in the past few months.

South Africa’s private sector will be present at the conference and will highlight their attempts to greenwash their image. It is exactly at moments like these that non-violent civil disobedience should be organized. Call out Ramaphosa for not attending COP 26 and expose the greenwashing of South Africa’s commercial entities because the eyes of the media and the rest of the population are on them.

3. Any actions have to be disruptive

There have been over 30 climate demonstrations in South Africa since 2018, which roughly take the same form. A group of people gather outside a government or business building, say some speeches, hand over a memorandum and then go home.

The actions have to be massively disruptive to capture mass attention. A good rule of thumb is if the action will likely result in arrest, it’s significantly disruptive (think blocking of highways, occupying buildings and hunger strikes). Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Ghandi, and Nelson Mandela all had that in common. They disrupted, got put into prison and built movements around them.

4. Consider the proximity principle

The idea here is that if you speak to someone about your movement/action and they show interest, you must have an action for them to do. If you don’t contact them for a week after speaking to them, they’ll likely lose interest and not participate. So when you mobilise, ensure that you have actions planned.

There is also important space for non-arrestable roles to be integrated into these movements/actions. After a disruptive action, in many instances, nothing happens because there is no organizational capacity beyond the action itself.

For example, after a disruptive action, there have to be people beyond those who got arrested that organize campaigns, tours and media briefings/interviews to broadcast the action and get others to join in following actions. Organize disruptive actions and organize pathways for people to join future actions.

5. Create a demand for action and follow models used during the anti-apartheid movement

The model was to pamphlet or leaflet and speak to community leaders about organizing community talks/rallies. When the talk/rally is organized, make sure it centers around an action that people can attend. South African climate movements have largely relied on social media campaigns or ‘bussing’ people in from afar.

The problem with both of these is that you rarely get the support that comes from a charged speech. To get people to take risks, you need them to be emotionally invested, something which does not come from social media. South African environmental movements have not successfully identified what people care about.

The importance of a clear objective

South African environmental movements make a fatal mistake of firstly making their demands too broad and trying to cover everything. The topic of climate justice, for example, is not a demand that the majority of South Africans understand or even care about. It’s also vague and is often just the topic of academic discussion. While hugely important as a concept, it is an ineffective mobilizing narrative.

Movements also try to touch on too many issues including energy, poverty, water, food sovereignty, biodiversity and many others. While each is of huge importance, trying to cover them all is an ineffective mobilization strategy because there is no focus.

In other words, when everything is important, nothing is important. The demand has to be clear and material. For example, because employment is such a huge issue, have a demand that says something along the lines of ‘create one million climate jobs’.

6. Start your movement with winnable demands with the resources you have at your disposal

Forcing systemic change is very difficult and in order to do so, movements have to accomplish small wins to show their credibility and get others to join. The Sharpeville Massacre had a demand to remove the pass book, not to upend structural racism across the country (although that was part of the broader goal).

In the recent September actions convened by the Climate Justice Coalition and supported by many other groups, there was a demand to allow communities the right to say no to any fossil fuel development project.

There was a precedent set in our constitution which states that, “Everyone has the right – (a) to an environment that is not harmful to their health or well-being; and (b) to have the environment protected, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable legislative and other measures that – (i) prevent pollution and ecological degradation…”

There is a legal precedent that needs enforcement by the government, which means you don’t have to start from scratch. It also gives power to communities and is specific enough to be implemented. A demand for climate justice, on the other hand, fulfills none of these requirements.

The last and most important point of this element is that if you accomplish it, people take notice and believe that civil disobedience works.

Making a difference

It is notoriously difficult to get people to care about climate change enough to take meaningful action. It’s also becoming more obvious that science talks don’t force action. Movements must speak to issues that people care about to get us to engage in non-violent civil disobedience.

In South Africa, this has to do with poverty alleviation, community rights, employment and corruption. Building environmental campaigns with clear demands around these issues is a way to ensure that the demands can be met and that you build enough of a following to force change.

The climate and ecological crises are creating unlivable conditions in South Africa with no sign of slowing. Drastic action is needed now to ensure South Africa mitigates its contribution to the global emissions profile and creates situations for communities to adapt to the effects of climate change. Neither of these are on the table and radical action is needed to force this change.

Disruptive actions, organized by a small group of people with clear demands that speak to societal issues, are the most effective way to force this change. Extinction Rebellion South Africa is the easiest mechanism through which to push this change. For example, their campaign against Standard Bank’s involvement in the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline calls for the bank to withdraw from any involvement (funding and advisory) in the project.

In the coming months, the group will dump a liquid that looks like oil in their main building in Rosebank, Johannesburg. The intention is to get arrested or to force the bank to shut down its offices for the day because that’s what gets mass media coverage.

Last thoughts on the climate crisis and civil resistance in SA

The bad news is that the world is on a trajectory for a 5°C global average temperature rise by the end of the century, the effects of which are catastrophic. The good news is that these conditions create the perfect opportunities for the most effective social movements to spring up.

What’s needed is for those in civil society to recognize this as the most important issue ever and for them to see their pathways into taking meaningful action. Movements must break past traditional marches and pickets and move into non-violent civil disobedience.

The post Moving from protest to resistance: a case for non-violent civil disobedience in South Africa’s climate movements appeared first on Wander Cape Town.

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This post has some crossover with our sustainable brands in Cape Town post, but here we’re focusing more on local over sustainable!

Disclaimer: None of these brands are affiliates, and I won’t at any point accept money to include anything on this list – but I’d love to add great entrepreneurs I didn’t know about, so leave me a comment if I’ve missed any!

Buying local

Until very recently, buying local was the only way people bought. But with all the convenience of global trade routes etc. we’ve seen a big decline in support for local craftsmen and entrepreneurs. But South Africans are fantastic entrepreneurs, and we still have a wealth of small local businesses providing world-class products and services.

So, rather than buying the international beers you know, try a local brew. Rather than staying at international hotels, look out for hotels unique to this city, or a hostel or Airbnb home. Rather than buying souvenirs made in China, buy the little crafts and paintings that locals make and sell from small stalls. Not only are you supporting people who are putting effort into their craft and making a way for themselves, you’re also not supporting bad labour practices and mass production.

Purchasing power is real, and supporting small businesses is one of the best things about having money to spend. We don’t have to go out of our way and buy things we don’t need in order to do it. We can just shift our habits – buy local, sustainable, and small.

Where to find local brands in Cape Town

Many of the small businesses listed below can only be found online, but there are many more entrepreneurs besides! Exploring Cape Town’s markets are one of our most popular activities, and it’s here that you can find many small local businesses. And increasingly, they can also be found at small co-operatives and stores.

Cape Town markets

Markets are some of the best places to find local entrepreneurs! And a morning at the market is always great fun. One thing to note, though, is that they can be pretty pricey, as they’re often catering to a richer crowd.

Oranjezicht Market

Oranjezicht Market is actually at the Waterfront – it moved after getting too popular! Here you can find a bunch of terrific foods, produce, clothing and crafts. Their flower stall has the most beautiful bouquets I’ve ever seen, and the mushroom sosaties are my absolute top recommendation.

This market has plenty of place to sit in the shade, and so many food and dessert options that you’ll be hard-pressed to choose. It’s a lovely place to spend a few hours with friends, and I find that a beautiful long walk to Sea Point along the coast is the perfect closer!

Bay Harbour Market

This Hout Bay market is my favourite (but I’m biased, because I used to work here on weekends). They usually have live music playing, and you can find pretty much anything you’re looking for. Their market stalls include clothing, crafts, jewellery, and art. They also have a fantastic food section, with a broad selection of tasty options, and local brews to match.

Greenmarket Square

Photo courtesy of Sharon Ang

Greenmarket Square is a historical space built in 1696. Many of the stalls here aren’t selling locally made goods, but many others are, so it’s well worth a look. You’ll find souvenirs, crafts and Cape Malay street food, all sold not by brands but by individuals. Just be aware of pickpockets, as it’s a central, open market.

The Neighbourgoods Market

This Woodstock market has long since been one of the trendiest creative spaces in the city. It’s super vibrant, and the bulk of the market is housed in an old mill, making it quite unique. You’ll walk away with some very cool treasures after a few hours of great food, beautiful music, and a real internal struggle to not buy everything.

Fabricate, Gardens

Fabricate is a lovely little shop in Gardens Shopping Centre focusing on South African crafts and creations. From unique earrings and funky socks to prints of everyday scenes in Cape Town, you can find some really beautiful things here. Perfect for gifts, for yourself or others! A few of the small brands we mention below can be found here, including Featsockco. and Aurora Home.

Sparrow Society, Muizenberg

The Muizenberg-based Sparrow Society is an entrepreneur collective and NGO driven by women’s economic empowerment. They provide a space where female entrepreneurs can sell their wares. But much more than this, they work with women on practical skills development and job creation. So they’re just a wonderful group to support if you’re ever in Muizenberg.

Ground Culture, Observatory

Ground Culture is a collective of local businesses with a focus primarily on drinks and dry foods in the lovely Observatory neighbourhood. All of their packaging is 100% biodegradable, which is wonderful, and 10% of their profits are reinvested into the entrepreneurs they work with! The spot is also a great coffee shop where you can spend a few hours working remotely, or just have a coffee with friends.

Cape Town entrepreneurs and brands

Cape Town is a city of entrepreneurs! We have so many fantastically creative people finding gaps in the market and coming up with ideas to fill them. As well as the old classics that are simply best when homemade, like baked goods.

This is a very much non-exhaustive list of Cape Town’s small entrepreneurs. If you know anyone whose products should be added here and who has an online presence, send me a message!

Cakes Hannah Bakes | Baker

If you’re looking for creative birthday cakes for any age, Hannah is your go-to home baker. Her creations are absolutely lovely, and taste just as good as they look.

Deborah’s Delights | Baker

Deborah bakes fantastic biscotti and rusks, made to order. She works from home and sells her goodies online – you can order through her Instagram!

Mervyn Gers | Ceramics

Mervyn Gers mugs at Schoon Cafe in Sea Point

Mervyn Gers makes dreamy mugs, dinnerware and tiles – all handmade in Cape Town. Mervyn started with a little pottery studio in 2011, and now employs 40 people. Their artistry is fantastic, and every mug and saucer is different; handcrafted, painted and glazed.

O.Griet | Illustrator

O.Griet, created by Gerda Smit, offers wonderfully whimsical illustrations with a childlike joy to them. You can commission family portraits (painted as humans or as a whole host of animals!) and children’s book illustrations. Or join her for an illustration workshop.

Vocap | Hats and headwear

Their slogan is ‘headwear with gees’ and it’s totally accurate! Vocap is a headwear brand offering beanies, bucket hats and caps for adults and children. What makes them special is the particular South African-ness of their hats, with terms like ‘lekker’, ‘kwaai’, and ‘howzit’ embroidered in bright colours.

FeatSockCo. | Socks

Wearing my featsockco. socks, and some very dirty hiking boots!

If you want to get creative with your socks, FeatSockCo. have you covered! Their funky colourful socks are so much fun, with prints like swimming ladies, sleeping cats and cheerful scenes. Playful and vibrant, they’re also locally made and can be found online, at Fabricate (mentioned above) or at a number of other local stores.

FeatSockCo. has also expanded its range to include greeting cards, ceramics and textile products – all small-scale.

Ginger Shortbread | Baker

Offering delicious, simple baked goods like choc and walnut blondies and cinnamon buns, Ginger Shortbread is a boon for anyone who craves a fridge of indulgences but just never got that baking gene.

With love by Nettie | Baby clothing

Run from a home studio, With love by Nettie is a local baby clothing brand. They have some adorable creations, including soft, gentle pants and jerseys. As well as ridiculously cute bunny and llama bonnets. Perfect if you’re looking for something handmade and special for a baby shower or first birthday!

Aurora Home | Homeware

Aurora Home offers aprons, tote bags, table runners etc. all in fabrics designed by their small team. The products are so beautiful, and all are made from 100% cotton. Supporting local sewers and focusing on bright, rich colours and fun illustrations, I can’t picture anything prettier in your kitchen!

Firetribe | Performers

A unique addition to the list, Firetribe is a group of fire dancing and performing professionals. They put on amazing, daring performances and can be hired as a troupe for events and functions.

Their team is fantastically skilled and mesmerising to watch, and their performances can be adapted to various spaces and themes. They also give fire dancing and poi classes for those who want to learn!

I’ve seen them at the monthly Clifton Fire Jam, which Firetribe facilitates, and it’s a brilliant experience.

Last thoughts on Cape Town entrepreneurs

Of course, Cape Town has so many more entrepreneurs and small businesses that we can support. If you know of any entrepreneurs with an online presence so that I can link to them, let me know and I may include them on the list. And let’s all shop local as often as we can!

The post Entrepreneurs & small businesses in Cape Town | Where to find them appeared first on Wander Cape Town.

Table Mountain is the site of most of Cape Town’s best hiking trails and mountain biking routes. It also forms the backdrop for everyone’s favourite photos, along with Lion’s Head and Devil’s Peak. We’ve put together everything you can do on the mountain, as well as info on the fauna and flora you could spot here, and the unique biosphere that makes the mountain much more than its striking silhouette.

Table Mountain’s unique biosphere

The mountain’s famous ‘Tablecloth’, the cloud cover that forms when the southeasterly wind blows, aids an impressive array of vegetation.

The Table Mountain National Park stretches across the whole Table Mountain chain, ending in the Southern tip of Africa – the Cape of Good Hope. This park protects the rare fynbos which is endemic to our city. You’ll find various types of Protea, as well as the local Silver Tree. In fact, over two thousand different species grow in this park, making it a real biodiversity hotspot. I’ve trekked up the mountain with a group before, searching for a flower that only grows on one side of this mountain, and only at a certain time of year – the red disa!

Unfortunately, because of invasive species and plant poaching for traditional medicines and tourist’s trophies (very illegal), the National Park also has a high concentration of endangered species.

Table Mountain FAQs

Before we jump into Table Mountain’s activities, I’ve added a few frequently asked questions. Because it’s always more exciting to explore a place once you know more about it!

How high is Table Mountain?

The highest point on Table Mountain, Maclear’s Beacon, has an elevation of 1086 metres above sea level.

Is it safe?

Table Mountain is, for the most part, happily safe. However, there are a few attacks every year, and there are people who live on the mountain.

Because of this low-level threat, it’s always better to be careful. Specifically, don’t hike alone, and don’t carry your valuables with you. It’s also important to reach the bottom of the mountain before the sun sets – unless you’re with a large, secure group. You can keep an eye out for attacks in that link above to stay informed on how safe the mountain is at any given time.

Can you camp on the top?

No, since Table Mountain is a protected National Park and a very popular one at that, no camping is allowed on Table Mountain. It would simply lead to too much damage if people regularly camped among this unique biosphere.

What animals live on the mountain?

While the mountain is more famous for its flora than its fauna, there are many different species to be spotted – and carefully protected – here.

Dassies

Dassies are a real South African favourite! Their chubby-cheeked faces are just so darn cute. They’re agile climbers, too, and you can find plenty of them near the cable station in particular, making daring moves to reach their favourite foods.

Lizards

You’ll also see many lizards on the rocky mountain, their lichen-like scales blending in so well that you often only spot them when they dart away. The lizards are mostly black, but the males grow blue-green faces during mating season.

Birds

Photo by Callum Evans, featured in his post about Kirstenbosch Gardens

From sunbirds and warblers to buzzards and flycatchers, Table Mountain has a large variety of birds attracted to its lush vegetation (and few humans to disturb them). Birdwatchers can tick off dozens on a proper day outing, and even if you’re not looking hard, you’re sure to see some beautiful birds searching out nectar and insects.

For more info, read our post on Cape Town’s native birds to watch for!

Tahrs

Sorry for the blur, this was the best shot I could take in my excitement to see them!

Endemic to India, these shaggy, silky goat-like animals escaped a nearby zoo in 1930 and have been living on Table Mountain ever since! They’re thriving actually – so much so that they’re threatening a number of the rare plant species on the mountain.

We saw a pair of tahrs on our Devil’s Peak hike, and it was pretty amazing seeing how comfortable they are on the super-steep cliffs!

Snakes, frogs & tortoises

Photo by Callum Evans

The Table Mountain ghost frog is critically endangered and can only be found here. They, and other frogs and tortoises find refuge in the National Park. You can also find twelve snake species, include dangerous ones you should keep an eye out for – puffadders like to lie on paths for their cozy sun-exposure.

If you do come across one of these serpentine sunbathers, stand still or slowly walk back, and the snake will almost always move away. You don’t want to run away or shout or do anything threatening.

Klipspringers

Klipspringers and other bokkies can be found on the mountain – but they’re quite rare. If you visit in the early morning you may spot bontebok, grysbok and steenbok munching and idling along.

Hiking up Table Mountain

If you can manage it, hiking up Table Mountain is the best way to experience it. You’ll see so much more of the nature, and enjoy how the landscape changes as you move to higher altitude.

If your fitness is not up to the rather daunting task, I’d recommend you take the cable car up and then walk down. That way you get the best of both! I’ve expanded more on the routes below our post on Cape Town’s hiking trails. But here’s a brief overview:

Nursery Ravine – along with Skeleton Gorge, this is Table Mountain’s most beautiful route to the top! You’ll walk up through native forests and thick fynbos vegetation, and for much of the time you’ll be in the shade – important in summer! This route is made widely accessible with easy steps, so it’s just one foot after the other.

Skeleton Gorge – similar to Nursery Ravine, you’ll be surrounded by gorgeous nature and trekking up well-laid steps for the most part. It’s not technically difficult, but it’s certainly tiring – with well-worthwhile views! But if you’re afraid of heights, this one may not be for you, as it includes a bit of a steep rope-aided climb.

Platteklip Gorge – the most commonly used route up Table Mountain, this is a simple switchback route that feels less daunting. However, it’s very sun-exposed, making it rough on sunny days. It is also definitely not as beautiful as the gorges.

Kasteelspoort – if you want to approach Table Mountain from the other side, you can follow the lovely and well-used Pipe Track, and then up Kasteelspoort. It’s a beautiful route, with rocky steps and giant square boulders that feel almost out of this world.

Other Table Mountain experiences

Of course, not all of us can hike up the mountain! While I’ve been up every route at my fittest, I’ve also been unfit enough that to reach even the contour path from the lower cable station was as much as I could accomplish. So, what else can you do on our beautiful mountain?

Take a cable car ride

This is the most common Table Mountain activity! The cable car takes you up the side of the mountain, giving you beautiful views over the mountain far below you, and as you near the top, the rocky outcrops feel like they’re surging up at you. The car also spins slowly, so that everyone gets a 360° view! The only issue is that if you’re going in-season (Dec – Feb), particularly over the weekend, you’ll have to stand in a line for quite a while.

A one-way trip on the cable car costs R200 for adults, and half-price or lower for students, children and senior citizens. Two ways costs about double. But if you decide to go up for your birthday, you get a free trip!

And if you’re visiting Table Mountain as part of a larger Cape Town adventure, you can also book a hop-on-hop-off and cable car combo. This way, you can use the bus to drop you off at the station.

Explore Kirstenbosch Gardens

Photo by Callum Evans

You don’t necessarily have to go up Table Mountain to experience some of the landmark’s most beautiful plant life. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens sits at the base of Table Mountain and boasts an incredible array of plants – particularly the fynbos uniquely native to this area. It’s also a fantastic place to spot the many bird species drawn that fynbos. Many of Table Mountain’s hikes – including a peaceful contour path and the less peaceful Skeleton Gorge – begin in Kirstenbosch, making it a great starting point for a visit to the mountain. It’s also an absolutely lovely place to have a picnic or spend a few hours exploring.

Have lunch with a view

Once you’re up at the top, you can visit the Aerial Cableway Cafe for some great milk tart and coffee, or a light lunch. You can eat at the restaurant, or take your food to eat out by the lookout point, which has some of the best views on the mountain!

Explore the mountain top

Once you’re on top of the mountain, it’s not all just about beautiful views of the city. There’s so much to explore up here – if you’ve caught the cable car, that area has three different trails to follow. These will allow you to see the rich plant life up here, as well as the dassies, lizards and birds that call the mountain home.

If you trekked up, you’ll be in a very different area of the mountain, but still with well-marked routes. You can see the wine-red lakes and white beach sand, the forests of wind-carved rock pillars and striking plant life. This really is a sprawling, pristine environment, a National Park that you can explore for hours, and feel like you’re hours away from any city.

Abseil down the cliff face

If you’re looking for adventure, abseiling 1000 metres above sea level is sure to be good fun! Abseil Africa offers 1-hour abseiling adventures down the mountain’s rocky cliff face. You’ll have the Twelve Apostles stretching away at your side, with the city below and the ocean beyond. It’s a terrific experience, and one you’ll remember for a long time!

Do be aware that this experience includes a little hike back to the top of the mountain – you unfortunately won’t be abseiling all the way down.

My experience of abseiling Table Mountain was a little different. I went up with a few experienced hikers that had done the trip before, as well as some gear and cupcakes. Equally important, in my eyes.

We took it all as it came, and had a great time doing so. Focussing on safety allowed us to have tons of fun walking vertically down the mountainside. We dislodged a few rocks on our way down, but the helmets we made sure to wear took the brunt of it.

However you’re able to experience abseiling, I trust that it will be a truly memorable adventure!

Overnight at a mountaintop cottage

Very few people get to sleep on top of Table Mountain – but it’s possible! The Overseers Cottage sits near Nursery Ravine, in a beautifully lush space that feels like you’re far from the city. It’s usually booked up, and it’s also quite pricey, but you can check its availability here.

If you’re part of the Mountain Club of South Africa, you can also try to book their mountain hut. Both can only be reached by hiking up or trekking over from the cable station.

Last thoughts on Table Mountain

So, now you know all about my favourite place on earth! Did I miss anything out? I’d love to hear about your hikes and experiences up the mountain.

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