Zwelihle Township has a population of at least 25,000 and is home to the majority of people who work in the Hermanus area’s tourism and fishing industries. The Zwelihle Youth Café, located at the Zwelihle RDP Centre, is both an incredible resource for the community and a thriving tourist attraction. 

The Zwelihle Youth Café is a brightly painted collection of small buildings and smart, thatched rondavels in the center of the township. The compound includes a skills training center and internet café for youth, a well-tended community garden, a bakery (which is overseen by experienced pastry chefs and smells like the most delicious cake imaginable), a small restaurant/conference space, a carwash, a braai area, and a shop selling arts and crafts made in Zwelihle. Thanks to founder William Ntebe, who speaks with amazing passion about the Zwelihle community, the Youth Café literally oozes with positive vibrations.

The Zwelihle Youth Café is a stop on the Hermanus Sightseeing Bus, which gives Hermanus visitors the opportunity to hop off and spend a couple of hours in Zwelihle before catching the next bus. Tourists can spend time touring the facilities at the center, have a snack at the restaurant or the bakery, buy souvenirs in the shop (the shop staff might even dress you in traditional clothing, if you let them), or take a walking tour of the township with a Zwelihle local. Those who wish to spend more time at the center can book longer group tours or even an evening braai. 

Zwelihle Youth Cafe is at the corner of Zuma and Mbeki Streets, Zwelihle. Open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Call 076-969-5830.