Mitchell’s Plain tourism sites were included in the provincial department of finance and economic opportunities’ itinerary during Tourism Month, which is marked during September.
On Friday September 23, MEC for Finance and Economic Opportunities Mireille Wenger, accompanied by local councillors Sub-council 17 chairperson, Elton Jansen, Ward 81 councillor Ashley Potts, and Ward 76 councillor, Avron Plaatjies, explored some of the area’s tourism offerings in Mitchell’s Plain.
The visit formed part of the MEC’s tour of the Western Cape to highlight just how many things there were to do in the province.
Among their stops were Strandfontein Pavilion and the 9Miles Project’s surf shop and cafe, as well as Mitchell’s Plain’s first grill house, Grillfather, in Westridge.
“Surfing is a form of therapy. The girls thought it was a boy sport but we now have a female group with a female coach.
“They’ve also been to Jeffreys Bay and mixed with surfing champions to learn more from them. All those in the area engage with us and different organisations and youth groups can come and surf,” said co-founder Sher-Neil Savel.
During the Covid-19 lockdowns, she added, they served food and made sure the communities had access to a warm meal especially during winter.
Strandfontein Pavillion, where you’ll find the biggest tidal pool in the southern hemisphere, is the home base of the 9 Miles Project. The project, said Ms Wenger, was “doing fantastic work with at-risk youth by using surfing as a catalyst for positive change and teaching young people the skills they need to succeed”.
“The 9 Miles also offers surfing lessons to the public, the proceeds of which are used to support the many impressive programmes they run in the surrounding communities” she said.
“I also had the pleasure of going to the Grillfather restaurant, in the heart of Mitchell’s Plain, and met Tina Swiegelaar, the owner. I can personally attest to the delicious burgers and wors rolls served by Tina at her wonderful and welcoming spot. You really do ‘eat like a boss’,” she said.
Ms Swiegelaar said the business was started by her late husband Shane Swiegelaar six years ago (“Grillfather leaves a legacy in Mitchell’s Plain”, Plainsman, March 18, 2020).
They first started operating from their garage in May 2016 and a few months later opened the doors to their restaurant on September 23, she said.
“For the first four years we grew rapidly under my husband’s leadership. I’ve been running this space for two years after his passing. I grew within those two years After his passing it was a challenge but we move and push through. We are grateful to still be running during these trying times and celebrating six years,” said Ms Swiegelaar.
They’ve reached many milestones, and also launched an app for the restaurant. “He wasn’t here to see those parts. The economy has been challenging but we’re fighting through. God has helped us and guided us. Thanks to our loyal patrons. His legacy can continue. Grillfather is all about community, people celebrating life,” said Ms Swiegelaar.
Mr Jansen said the people of Mitchell’s Plain should explore their spaces and visit the sites within their communities as often as they could.
Mr Potts said we should bring tourism back into our Mitchell’s Plain communities. “We’re inviting you to showcase what it is you do too. There are so many more spaces you can showcase and also visit,” he said.
Ms Wenger said their key message to visitors, both domestic and international, is to get out and explore the many wonderful and diverse tourism offers in the Western Cape.
“The tourism and hospitality sector is a crucial part of our economy, which is why I’m so excited that all indicators are pointing to a bumper summer season. I call on this sector to be prepared to welcome tourists and show visitors the warm and quality hospitality that South Africa is known for,” she said.