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After four years on pause, World Koesister Day (WKD) makes its comeback on Sunday, 7 September 2025. This time it is bigger, bolder, and built around young people.
What started as a heritage celebration has evolved into a youth-centred cultural hospitality experience that blends tradition with real opportunities for training, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.
WKD was created by Mark Jacobs (Co-Founder of Vannie Kaap, now a Philosopher & Story/Creative Strategist). It has since been reshaped by WeRProudly NPC, a social enterprise that uses culture as a catalyst for youth empowerment.
From Pilots to Pathways
Since 2022, the proudlyCOMm UniTY programme has been testing its dignity-centred training model with differently-abled youth and learners from underserved schools. Highlights included:
- Pasta-making workshops with FEDHASA & Glenbridge Skilled School
- A CTICC showcase linking classroom learning to industry
- Indigenous foraging demos at Oakley House High
- Fine dining mentorship with Chef eSTEVE, attended by cultural leaders like Marlene le Roux (Artscape)
These pilots showed that with the right model, learners gain real skills, and industry players are keen to step in when programmes are credible and practical. Accessibility has been guided throughout by liveABLE’s Tarryn Tomlinson.
The Big Day – 7 September
The SunSquare Hotel in Gardens, Cape Town will host 20 young participants delivering a hospitality and storytelling showcase. Judges will choose three winners for the Best Indigenous-Infused Koesister, while all participants will move straight into mentorships, job placements, or business opportunities.
The day also marks the launch of the COMm UNiTY portal (a joint venture between Insignis Solution, Leelyn Management, and weRproudly NPC). This platform will:
- Onboard youth into the new Koesisters en Koffie Chapter
- Provide mentorship and training schedules
- Track learner progress and highlight micro-business opportunities
- Connect industry partners directly with trained youth
Why It Matters
“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 can create real pathways for youth,” said Mark Jacobs.
“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,” added Alderman James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth and Tourism.
More than a Celebration
With its blend of culinary heritage, indigenous knowledge, and inclusive training, World Koesister Day 2025 is more than a heritage day event. It is a movement proving that culture can unlock youth employment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth.
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