My Cape Town

Luvuyo, a student at Eziko

It had been a big gig at the castle the night before, and leaping around to the pumping sounds of Prime Circle while downing vodka shots had seemed a good idea at the time.  Less so now as I found myself rinsing large chunks of raw meat under an industrial tap in a converted container.

It was Pam’s fault. She had told me that this would be a fun and interesting way to spend a Saturday morning, and what with Pam being a bit of a gourmet and wine-buff and a thoroughly knowledgeable and engaging person to boot, I was inclined to believe her.  Despite my best attempts to feel really awful, she was absolutely right.

We were at Eziko, a cookery school and restaurant in the heart of Langa township just 10 minutes drive from Cape Town.  Established in 1996 by a former Langa High School teacher, Victor Mguqulwa, the restaurant is designed not so much as a showcase of the students’ efforts, but more simply to fund the teaching of the students.  Selected for their commitment and enthusiasm, each of the students comes from a background so disadvantaged that they struggle to pay the R7 per day which covers not just bus fares but the cost of the classroom instruction and in-house training. Thanks to Victor’s scheme, more than 80% of the students not only complete the training, but go on to get jobs in the catering industry.

Preparing chakalaka under the watchful eye of Lindie Koza

Pam had arranged for us to spend the morning with Lindie Koza, the head teacher of the school.  Lindie was tiny ball of energy and laughter, bright eyes blinking away behind her glasses as she showed a small group of us how to prepare some favourite African dishes such as samp and beans, lamb stew, pap and chakalaka. We worked alongside some of the students to get the simple dishes going, then took a tour of the school while the food cooked.  We even had a chance to speak to Victor, a charming, eloquent man who has dedicated his life to the education and upliftment of others.  What he has achieved is a lesson to us all – a simple concept, perfectly executed, where everyone is a winner.

Victor Mguqulwa, founder of Eziko

Back in the pretty restaurant good smells were drifting in from the kitchen, and a hugely varied menu was chalked up on the board.  A gaggle of others had arrived for lunch – some clearly regulars and an American couple with a tour guide. We sat with Lindie and knocked back some of her famous ginger beer while she answered our questions about anything from the differences in samp flour to the finer points of Xhosa culture over a delicious lunch.  Then, after a lightning change from her chef’s whites into a floaty pink ensemble, she joined us on a quick tour of the township, pointing out her church and her house and telling us stories about Langa.  It was also a chance to orientate myself – I for one will be going back to Eziko very soon.

Daisy

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Guest House of the Month

Kensington Place
Higgovale

The 10^th anniversary party recently thrown by Kensington Place was the perfect reflection of the house as a whole – ultra cool and stylish, impeccably organised, with vivid attention to detail and hundreds of people desperate to get in.

Its eight rooms are spacious and private, seven of them with balconies or terraces offering such breathtaking views of the mountain that guests often choose to eat breakfast on the balcony of their room, and with breakfast being served up until 1pm they have many reasons to linger.  Elsewhere, everything has been ingeniously designed to create public spaces that are still undeniably private.  Despite all the things to do in Cape Town and the large number of excellent restaurants nearby, guests often find that they are just too comfortable at the bar, or lounging in the sumptuous loggia area overlooking the sparkling plunge pool.  Luckily, it is one of the few guest houses where dinner is available also – light meals every evening, with the option of a more formal dinner three days a week.

Word of mouth about Kensington Place has spread like wildfire over the years, and for good reason.  Not only does it have an awesome location (the foothills of the mountain, yet close to the hot spot of Kloof St) but its décor has a richness of texture and colour and fabric into which you could melt.  Add to this the flawless service and the endless list of facilities - each room has its own laptop and Skype phone, for instance – and it is not hard to understand why this place is booked up months, if not years, in advance.

Upcoming Events

Highlights for December, selected from WhatsoninCapeTown.com   - the indispensable guide to all that's happening in Cape Town.   For a full list of what's on in the next few months, go to the website .  Upcoming events include festivals, shows and fairs; music, theatre and dance; rugby and cricket and other sporting events; comedy and concerts and exhibitions; celebrations of wine and whiskey, flowers and freedom... bring it on, Cape Town!   

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DAY AT THE RACES
1 December
Sponsored by Avontuur wine estate, the Grade 1 Cape Fillies Guineas Race Day brings out the who’s who of both the racing and wine industries. Free wine tastings and children's entertainment.

CAP CLASSIQUE AND CHAMPAGNE FESTIVAL
1 December - 2 December
SA's largest champagne festival, including Billecart Salmon, Mumm and Laurent Perrier as well as local producers Graham Beck, Krone, Môreson, Pierre Jourdan, Simonsig and Villiera.

CRICKET: SOUTH AFRICA v. NEW ZEALAND
2 December
Third One Day International. 

RISE: FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL
4 December
A 2 hour showcase of fly fishing movies from around the world. 

VIVALDI'S FOUR SEASONS
5 December
Camerata Tinta Barocca, Cape Town's baroque ensemble, will perform Vivaldi's most famous work with visiting virtuoso, Zoe Beyers. Other works by Pergolesi and J Stamitz. 

MICHAELIS GRADUATE EXHIBITION
5 December - 15 December
A unique opportunity to view the emerging talent emanating from one of South Africa's top art schools. The opening at 6pm on 5th will be followed at 7.30pm by an auction of works by major South African and international artists as well as up and coming artists.

FATBOY SLIM LIVE
7 December
The international star DJ spins his tunes in Cape Town for one night only.  He is in SA to promote his "Coaching for Hope" initiative which aims to use football to empower young people in the developing world while making them aware of the dangers of HIV and Aids. 

HOT HEELS AFRICA
7 December - 9 December
Top international downhill skateboarders, street lugers and buttboarders battle it out for world titles in three downhill disciplines on a 1.9km course in the beautiful Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. 

SLEEPING ON THE SEAFLOOR
8 December
Another Aquarium sleep over with fun and games and a visit from Father Christmas. Bring a picnic supper, bedding, toiletries and a small gift for your child. Dress code: Sealife or Superhero 

MICHAEL BUBLE IN CONCERT
10 December - 12 December
The multi-Platinum selling crooner will perform 3 evenings with his buoyant, modern interpretations of Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye and others. 

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
13 December - 16 December
Traditional Christmas Carols, accompanied by the Cape Town Concert Brass Band and the Cape Town Male Voice Choir. 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY
15 December
A chance for children to meet Father Christmas, take part in lollipop hunts and generally have fun. Booking essential. 

GOOD HOPE FM / VODACOM CLIFTON BEACH CHALLENGE
16 December
Clifton's trendy 4th Beach plays host once more to this challenge featuring strength, speed and fitness contests between celebrity Springbok rugby stars and the Clifton Beach lifesavers. 

CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
21 December
Venue: Vergelegen Wine Farm

MUSIC UNCORKED - JAMES GRACE
23 December
The last in a unique series of 'Music Tasting' concerts, this time with James Grace on classical guitar.

KIRSTENBOSCH CONCERT: FLAT STANLEY
23 December
With a hugely talented vocalist and a large national following, this band has its own special brand of melodic rock.

CHRISTMAS EVE FULL MOON HIKE
24 December
Watch the full moon rising and the African sun setting over Table Mountain from the top of the Klapmutskop.  Shuttle rides back down.  Take a torch, warm clothing and a few snacks and drinks. 

THE FESTIVAL OF THE CHARIOT
29 December - 30 December
A two day multicultural spirtual and wellness festival. The highlight will be on Saturday when a 15 foot Chariot will be hand-pulled along Beach Road, headed by marching bands, African, Indian and Western dancers and a chanting group. 

94.5 Kfm NEW YEAR'S EVE CONCERT : FRESHLYGROUND & DR VICTOR AND THE RASTA REBELS
31 December
The winners of 'Best African Act' at the 2006 MTV Europe Music Awards, freshlyground's unique sound ranges from up-beat Afro-pop, folk, mbaqanga and jazz to gentle ballads. Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels is one of the busiest bands in the country, with a sound that includes covers of reggae and R&B classics. 

NEW YEAR ON THE PIAZZA
31 December
An evening of dancing and entertainment with DJ Mood Swing and Fire Love Fire dancers.