Some ideas are simply too sweet to ignore—just ask Sibahle Ngqiva, who’s bringing a unique twist to Kariega with her very first Cake Picnic.
Inspired by Elisa’s Cake Picnic Tour in America, Sibahle immediately connected with the concept when she stumbled upon it last year. “It has always been my dream to curate events that bring people together,” she says. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to create spaces and experiences that foster connection and build a sense of community because I truly believe we weren’t meant to do life alone.”
The Cake Picnic wasn’t just a good fit; it felt like a sign. After deciding to dive into event curation, Sibahle noticed the concept popping up everywhere on social media for weeks. “That’s when I knew it was the perfect event to start with. And honestly, who doesn’t love cake?”
A Sweet Vision with a Few Bumps
Planning an event like this wasn’t without its challenges. Sibahle’s dream was to host the picnic in a serene, farm-style setting, complete with greenery where attendees could lay out blankets and enjoy their cake under open skies. Unfortunately, Uitenhage’s limited venue options meant she had to pivot.
“My priority was finding a space where people could feel safe while mingling freely,” she explains. “It wasn’t the exact vibe I envisioned, but we made it work.”
The Cuyler Manor Museum, steeped in history and charm, will now set the stage for this exciting community gathering.
More Than Just Chocolate
As the event draws closer, Sibahle’s enthusiasm for the day continues to grow—especially when it comes to the cake! Guests have been asked to bring their own sweet creations to share, and the responses have been overwhelmingly in favor of one flavor.
“About 60% of people said they’d bring chocolate cake,” Sibahle shares, grinning. “Don’t get me wrong, I love chocolate cake, but I’ve been encouraging everyone to consider different flavors to make sure we get some variety. Still, I’m excited to see what people bring—especially the bakers!”
Connections Beyond the Cake
Sibahle knows that stepping into a space filled with strangers can feel daunting, so she’s added some thoughtful touches to help break the ice. “We’ve planned activities to help people connect naturally,” she explains. “I want this to be more than just a picnic—it’s about forming real connections and building a community.”
When it comes to her personal favorites, Sibahle has a few cake preferences of her own. “I love blueberry cheesecake, pistachio cake, and coffee cake. A friend once baked me a coffee cake for my birthday, and it was so special. There’s something magical about sharing a slice of cake with others—it’s an instant mood booster!”
Looking to the Future
While this is just the beginning of her journey into event curation, Sibahle is already dreaming bigger. “The response has been incredible, and it makes me hopeful for future events. If this Cake Picnic goes well, who knows? It might even become a regular tradition,” she says.
There’s also growing interest in hosting the event in Gqeberha. “I’ve had so many inquiries from people there, so next time, I’d love to find a venue that works for both Kariega and Gqeberha. The goal is always to bring people together.”
Save the Date
Whether you’re a chocolate cake connoisseur or a fan of fruity flavors, Sibahle’s Cake Picnic promises something for everyone.
📅 Date: Friday, March 21, 11:00 – 16:00
📍 Venue: Cuyler Manor Museum, Uitenhage
🎟 Tickets: https://qkt.io/Cy3SZX
“Bring a blanket, bring a cake, and most importantly, bring your love for community,” Sibahle encourages. “It’s time to have your cake and eat it too!”
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