Cape Town – After a four-year hiatus, World Koesister Day (WKD) has returned as a reimagined youth-centred cultural hospitality experience that combines tradition with opportunity.
Originally conceived by Mark Jacobs (Co-Founder of Vannie Kaap, now Philosopher (fi-lo-fo-ser) & Story/Creative Strategist), WKD has been reshaped through three years of iterative testing by weRproudly NPC. This social enterprise uses culture as a catalyst for youth empowerment and economic participation.
Since August 2022, the programme (proudlyCOMm UniTY) has tested and refined a dignity-centred training model through real-world engagements with differently-abled youth and learners from underserved schools.
A highlight was the Lalalicious Beta (May -June 2024), co-led by Herbal Scientist Cindy-Lee Knowles, which included:
- FEDHASA & Glenbridge Skilled School: pasta-making sessions with documented outcomes.
- CTICC engagement: demonstrating classroom-to-industry flows for 25 learners.
- Oakley House High: indigenous foraging and culinary demonstrations.
- Fine-dining mentorship with Chef eSTEVE and service practice for learners with disabilities, attended by cultural and industry leaders, including Marlene le Roux (Artscape).
These pilots proved that adapted training delivers real skills and that industry partners are willing to engage when programmes are practical and credible.
Accessibility and policy guidance throughout has been led by liveABLE (Tarryn Tomlinson), ensuring best-practice standards.
The WKD returned today, Sunday, 7 September 2025, with a Live Showcase and Launchpad
At SunSquare Hotel, Gardens, at least 20 youth participants delivered a hospitality service and storytelling showcase.
Judges will select three winners for the Best Indigenous-Infused Koesister, and all participants will be fast-tracked into mentorship, placements, and enterprise pathways.
COMm UNiTY Portal Launch (Joint Venture – Insignis Solution| Leelyn Management and weRproudly NPC)
The event also launches COMm UNiTY, a youth platform providing:
- Onboarding into the Koesisters en Koffie Chapter (from October 2025).
- Ongoing mentorship, training schedules, and placement opportunities.
- Tracking of learner progress and surfacing of micro-business opportunities.
- A gateway for industry partners to engage, sponsor, and hire trained youth.
“World Koesister Day has always been about culture, craft, and community. After three years of practical testing, we are ready to show how dignity-centred hospitality training, designed with accessibility guidance from liveABLE, can create real pathways for youth,” said Mark Jacobs, weRproudly NPC.
“By spotlighting the Cape Malay koesister, this event not only celebrates our heritage but also creates economic opportunities and positions Cape Town as a world-class cultural destination,” said Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism.
A Heritage Movement with a Future Focus
With its blend of culinary heritage, indigenous knowledge, and inclusive training, WKD 2025 is more than a celebration. It is a movement proving that culture can unlock youth employment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.
