Following a successful festive season, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde visited two iconic tourism attractions in Khayelitsha to engage with entrepreneurs and thank them for playing their part in ensuring Cape Town and the province remained a destination of choice for tens of thousands of visitors.
Siki’s Coffee Owner, Sikelela Dibela, has been steadily building up his coffee shop which is a firm favourite with both international visitors and locals. Business has been so good of late that he will be re-launching his second outlet at Cavendish Square in Claremont, Cape Town in March.
At Dibela’s Khayelitsha premises, Winde also engaged with other local entrepreneurs who have been making a name for themselves and their businesses.
“Never stop innovating and never give up when faced with challenges. Entrepreneurs like you are the ‘engine rooms’ of our economy. You are all making huge differences in your communities where it counts the most: by creating jobs,” the Premier told the entrepreneurs.
He also urged the group of business owners to access the Western Cape Government’s SMME Booster Fund. It is an initiative that provides financial support to entrepreneurs, aimed at growing and developing their SMMEs.
As he was leaving Siki’s, Winde met two US tourists who had pulled up for coffees and snacks, confirming the popularity of this proudly Cape Town business.
The next stop was Khaltsha Cycles, a one-stop cycle shop that has been gradually developing a cycling culture in the area and beyond. Founded by Sindile Mavundla, Juma Mkwela, and Divinia Stevens, there are currently four branches across Cape Town, with a fifth planned for Strand.
While looking at the rows of bicycles, Winde met two German visitors who arrived for their cycling tour of Khayelitsha. “We love the vibrance and energy of Cape Town,” the tourists said.
“Our tourism, entertainment, and hospitality industries play a crucial role in taking the Western Cape economy to the next level. Recently, Cape Town was recognised as one of the best cities in the world to visit and here in Khayelitsha, it is clear why. After a fantastic festive season, we look forward to 2024 and the hard work of this sector which continues to create jobs and grow our economy," concluded Premier Winde.
