F22T (Franks 22 Tips) - The Cape Town 2024 Edition - 1 May 2024

Edition #90

May 01, 2024

For the past two weeks I was all over Cape Town, together with my fantastic Fontys ACE-colleague and friend Pierke, and six fantastic Fontys ACE-students: Elise, Foppe, Lara, Maartje, Marlinde and Tim. We embarked on a Intercultural Learning studytrip. And what a fantastic trip it was, “niet normaal” (not normal).

This was my third visit to Cape Town (I also visited last year and in 2019), and once again, it was so impressive, so impactful.

What a city: so much creativity, so much positivity, so much (wicked) problems/challenges, so much learning, so much (new) connections.

Hence, this special extra edition of F22T: The Cape Town 2024 Edition.

Enjoy!

1. Girls Make The City - Langa

Just like last year and six months ago, the students took part in the amazing Girls Make The City - Langa project, a movement crafting a future where every girl's voice echoes through the streets. Together with the Langa girls, they developed a Safety TikTok campaign. We spent several days working in Langa (at the Langa Bicycle Hub) and at the V&A Waterfront (at Makers Landing and the Zeitz MOCAA). So much connection and creativity, all in such a short time, it was incredible. We learned so much again, so valuable.

Huge thanks to everyone involved: Avu, Lalitha, Nanthando, Zama & Zimbini (Langa girls), Suné Stassen (Open Design Afrika), Tiisetso Mofokeng (University of Cape Town, Vega School, Stellenbosch University), Nthakoana Maema (ORIBI), Ellen Fischat (Inspiring African Women NPC, InspiringFifty), Joke Quintens (Wetopia - Making Cities Together), Marlene Lerch (Dooiy), Siyanda Sopangisa (Khayelitsha Canoe Club, see tip 2), Mandisa Ngqulana & Liesl Hartman (Zeitz MOCAA, see tip 9), Mzikhona Mgedle (Langa Bicycle Hub, see tip 4).

Also check:

2. Khayelitsha Canoe Club

What a warm welcome once again from our dear friend and legend Siyanda (founder of the Khayelitsha Canoe Club), so hospitable. We paddled in the Wetlands Park in Khayelitsha (the largest township in Cape Town), collaborated with locals in a community garden, visited Siyanda's high school, and enjoyed a delicious meal together prepared by Siyanda's mother. What a special day, thank you Siyanda!

3. Juma Art Tours

It was also a heartwarming reunion with our friend Juma. Together with his organization Juma Art Tours, we roamed around the Woodstock neighborhood, where there's a lot of street art to admire. We also cycled with Sizwe through Khayelitsha, worked again in a community garden, and enjoyed a delightful (some vegetarian) braai. Additionally, we visited Sikis Kafe Coffee, Story Room Creatives, a bustling market, and the lovely Khayelitsha beach. Two truly wonderful days.

4. Langa Bicycle Hub

It was also great to see Mzikhona again, the founder of the Langa Bicycle Hub. Over two days at the Langa Bicycle Hub (a wonderful, safe space), the students collaborated with the Langa girls for Girls Make The City - Langa. We also cycled together through Langa, visiting places like the Langa Heritage Dompas Museum and the Langa train station.

5. Castle of Good Hope, District Six Museum & Slave Lodge

Three significant sites in Cape Town that illuminate the city's history, particularly regarding apartheid and slavery. It's crucial for students to understand this history as its effects are still present today and continue to influence the challenges facing Cape Town and South Africa.

6. Bo-Kaap

We also visited the Bo-Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town, known for its vibrant colors, and steep cobblestone streets. The community has a strong Islamic heritage, with mosques, Islamic schools, and cultural practices playing a central role in daily life. In Bo-Kaap, we saw freshly painted pro-Palestinian murals.

7. The Baxter

It was wonderful to reunite with Fahiem Stellenboom, the marketing manager of The Baxter, after 4,5 years, and what a warm reception it was (we enjoyed delicious Indian cuisine at The Baxter). We visited the fantastic adaptation of Shakespeare's Othello by Lara Foot (the director of The Baxter), featuring a stunning set designed by artist Gerard Marx. A truly impressive performance.

8. Bridges For Music

Pierke and I had the pleasure of meeting Rosemary Blake, the program director of Bridges for Music in Langa. This organization empowers young creatives from underserved communities through programs that focus on creative entrepreneurship, well-being, and music. Here's to an exciting collaboration ahead!

9. Zeitz MOCAA

The incredible Zeitz MOCAA, a stunning museum showcasing contemporary African art. In 2019, I had the pleasure of experiencing the fantastic exhibition by William Kentridge: "Why Should I Hesitate: Putting Drawings to Work." And last year, I was captivated by the beautiful exhibition "When We See Us." On both occasions, I was completely overwhelmed. While this time the exhibitions weren't as overwhelming, but the following exhibitions did leave a lasting impression on me:

10. Norval Foundation

I hadn't visited the Norval Foundation before, a large museum for modern and contemporary art just outside the city. The museum resembles Voorlinden in some ways, both in terms of architecture and the presence of sculpture gardens. Personally, I prefer Voorlinden; it feels more contemporary. Still, I'm glad I visited the Norval Foundation, if only to discover South African artists like Cinga Camson and Alexis Preller.

11. SMAC Gallery

SMAC, one of my favourite galleries in Cape Town, recently moved from Woodstock to the city centre. What a beautiful new space, and what a beautiful solo exhibition by Belgian artist Gommaar Gilliams.

12. Church Projects

My favorite XS gallery with an XL impact. The solo exhibition by Nigerian-born, Cape Town-based artist Vida Madighi-Oghu is absolutely beautiful.

13. Stevenson

Wow… what an astonishing solo exhibition by South African artist Wim Botha at Stevenson in Woodstock.

14. blank projects

What a space, and what a solo exhibition by Gerda Scheepers from Cape Town. And very nice to meet associate director Thobile Ndenze. See you in July at the North Sea Jazz Festival.

15. WHATIFTHEWORLD

Great to be back at the wonderful WHATIFTHEWORLD gallery, and what a beautiful solo exhibition by the young South African artist Alka Dass.

16. South African National Gallery

The first exhibition we encounter here hits the mark right away. What a fantastic retrospective of Esther Mahlangu: "The exhibition highlights Dr. Esther Mahlangu’s over 50-year long career and her meteoric rise as a contemporary artist, earning her global acclaim."

17. Sibusile Xaba @ The Athletic Club & Social

A beautiful intimate concert by the amazing Sibusile Xaba at The Athletic Club & Social. He blends maskandi, malombo, the desert blues, and jazz. In 2018, Sibusile Xaba performed at the Le Guess Who? Festival.

18. Nourish’d

Almost every morning, Pierke and I had breakfast at our favorite spot, Nourish'd. It's a 10-minute walk uphill from our hostel, followed by enjoying a delicious smoothie bowl.

19. Yours Truly

Yours Truly is the café beneath our hostel, Never @ Home at Kloof Street. It's a nice spot with friendly staff, a diverse crowd, fine playlists, and delicious coffee.

20. DHL Stormers

Over the weekend, we attended a rugby match of the DHL Stormers, just like last year, at the DHL Stadium (where the Dutch football team won the semi-final of the 2010 World Cup against Uruguay).

21. Table Mountain & Lions Head

In 2019, during my first visit to Cape Town, I climbed Table Mountain, Lion's Head, and the Cape of Good Hope. It was quite nerve-wracking for me because I have a fear of heights. During the last climb that year, I experienced such trembling knees on the descent, I was relieved when I finally reached the bottom. Last year, I was hesitant to climb the mountain again, except for Kloof Corner.

This year felt different; somehow, I felt more confident, more at ease. Together with the students and Pierke, I revisited Lion's Head and Table Mountain. At Table Mountain, we even opted for the most challenging climb (India Venster) and the longest descent (Skeleton Gorge), totaling a hike of 8,5 hours. What made it even more challenging were the strong gusts of wind, so strong that the cable car wasn't operating. I believe that my increased confidence and calmness were greatly influenced by the yoga and breathwork I've been practicing over the past year. Another significant factor was the support from Pierke (and the students too); I knew he got my back, his support was immense. Many thanks, Pierke. And... I'm quite proud that I did this.

22. Saffa Tunes For Frank

Whenever I travel abroad, I always find it fascinating to immerse myself in the music of the place, as it helps me get to know the location even better. Last year, I had already delved somewhat into contemporary South African jazz and amapiano. I've been familiar with South African jazz for a while and love it, but I didn't quite grasp amapiano. While preparing for the study trip, I asked Capetonian Ikho (yes… Koen's wife) to create a playlist for me with cool South African music of today. Interestingly, the music didn't always resonate with me beforehand, but once I was in Cape Town, I understood it much better. It was also great to chat with our Capetonian connections about music and get tips from them. Thank you, Ikho, for your fantastic playlist!