World Koesister Day 2025: Uniting Cultural Traditions Through Inclusive Hospitality Training
Cape Town – After a four-year hiatus, World Koesister Day (WKD) has returned as a revitalized, youth-oriented cultural hospitality event that blends tradition with modern possibilities.
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 tool for empowering youth and encouraging economic engagement.
From Beta to Launch
Since August 2022, the program (proudlyCOMm UniTY) has honed a dignity-centered training model through practical experiences with differently-abled youth and students from underserved schools.
A standout event was the Lalalicious Beta (May – June 2024), co-directed by Herbal Scientist Cindy-Lee Knowles, which featured:
- FEDHASA & Glenbridge Skilled School: documented pasta-making sessions.
- CTICC engagement: highlighting classroom-to-industry transitions for 25 learners.
- Oakley House High: indigenous foraging and culinary showcases.
- Fine-dining mentorship with Chef eSTEVE and service training for learners with disabilities, attended by cultural and industry leaders, including Marlene le Roux (Artscape).
These pilot programs proved that customized training not only provides essential skills but also attracts industry partners eager to engage in practical and credible initiatives.
Accessibility and policy direction have been spearheaded by liveABLE (Tarryn Tomlinson), ensuring compliance with best-practice standards.
WKD made its return today, Sunday, 7 September 2025, with a Live Showcase and Launchpad.
Hosted at SunSquare Hotel, Gardens, at least 20 youth participants exhibited hospitality services and storytelling.
Judges will choose three winners for the Best Indigenous-Infused Koesister, and all participants will be prioritized for mentorship, placements, and entrepreneurial pathways.
COMm UNiTY Portal Launch (Joint Venture – Insignis Solution | Leelyn Management and weRproudly NPC)
The event also unveiled COMm UNiTY, a youth platform offering:
- Onboarding into the Koesisters en Koffie Chapter (starting October 2025).
- Ongoing mentorship, training schedules, and placement opportunities.
- Tracking of learner progress and identification of micro-business prospects.
- A channel for industry partners to engage, sponsor, and hire trained youth.
“World Koesister Day has always celebrated culture, craft, and community. After three years of practical testing, we are ready to showcase how dignity-centered hospitality training, informed by accessibility insights from liveABLE, can create authentic pathways for youth,” stated Mark Jacobs, weRproudly NPC.
“By highlighting the Cape Malay koesister, this event not only honors our heritage but also creates economic opportunities, positioning 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 emphasis on culinary heritage, indigenous wisdom, and inclusive training, WKD 2025 is more than a celebration. It represents a movement demonstrating that culture can unlock avenues for youth employment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.
