DailySun
Cape Town – After a four-year hiatus, World Koesister Day (WKD) has returned as a revitalized, youth-centered cultural hospitality event that blends tradition with fresh opportunities.
Originally conceived by Mark Jacobs (Co-Founder of Vannie Kaap, now Philosopher (fi-lo-fo-ser) & Story/Creative Strategist), WKD has evolved through three years of iterative trials by weRproudly NPC. This social enterprise harnesses culture as a catalyst to empower youth and promote economic engagement.
From Beta to Launch
Since August 2022, the program (proudlyCOMm UniTY) has honed a dignity-focused training model through real-life interactions with differently-abled youth and students from under-resourced schools.
A standout moment was the Lalalicious Beta (May – June 2024), co-led by Herbal Scientist Cindy-Lee Knowles, which featured:
- FEDHASA & Glenbridge Skilled School: pasta-making sessions with documented outcomes.
- CTICC engagement: demonstrating classroom-to-industry transitions 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 figures, including Marlene le Roux (Artscape).
These pilot initiatives showcased that specialized training not only imparts essential skills but also attracts industry partners willing to engage when programs are practical and credible.
Accessibility and policy guidance have been spearheaded by liveABLE (Tarryn Tomlinson), ensuring adherence to best-practice standards.
The WKD made its return today, Sunday, 7 September 2025, featuring a Live Showcase and Launchpad.
Held at SunSquare Hotel, Gardens, at least 20 youth participants displayed hospitality services and storytelling.
Judges will choose three winners for the Best Indigenous-Infused Koesister, and all participants will be expedited into mentorship, placements, and enterprise pathways.
COMm UNiTY Portal Launch (Joint Venture – Insignis Solution | Leelyn Management and weRproudly NPC)
The event also introduced COMm UNiTY, a youth platform offering:
- Onboarding into the Koesisters en Koffie Chapter (commencing October 2025).
- Ongoing mentorship, training schedules, and placement opportunities.
- Monitoring of learner progress and identification of micro-business prospects.
- A gateway for industry partners to engage, sponsor, and hire trained youth.
“World Koesister Day has always celebrated culture, craft, and community. After three years of hands-on testing, we are ready to showcase how dignity-centered hospitality training, enhanced by accessibility insights from liveABLE, can create genuine pathways for youth,” stated Mark Jacobs, weRproudly NPC.
“By highlighting the Cape Malay koesister, this event not only pays tribute to our heritage but also creates economic opportunities, establishing Cape Town as a leading cultural destination,” remarked Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism.
A Heritage Movement with a Future Focus
With its fusion of culinary heritage, indigenous knowledge, and inclusive training, WKD 2025 is more than just a celebration. It represents a movement that demonstrates how culture can unlock pathways to youth employment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.
