National Women’s Day falls on the 9th of August and celebrates the rights of Women throughout the world. This South African public holiday commemorates this day in 1956, when over 20 000 of our countries women (of all races and ages) took to the street and marched against the apartheid pass laws. After the march, the women stood in silence for 30 minutes and then united to sing a song that they composed for this very occasion: “Wathint’Abafazi Wathint’imbokodo!” which means “Now you have touched the women, you have struck a rock”. These words still hold weight with women in South Africa today, representing strength and courage.
While Women’s Day is still connecting empowered women and creating a platform to address issues on gender equality in South Africa, this public holiday has also become much less sombre affair and is enjoyed and celebrated by everyone. Show appreciation to that special women is your life by spoiling her to a special outing in Cape Town. There are plenty of specials throughout Cape Town to enjoy together and we have put together some of our favourite for your choosing:
Racing at Killarney Gardens – Enjoy an entertaining outing with the special women in your life by attending the Killarney Women’s Day event at the Killarney International Raceway. One lucky lady will even win a high speed drive around the circuit in an impressive Master V8 sport racing car. The day will commence with the seventh round of the Power Series championship where spectators can enjoy seating in the grandstands, while high banking is also available for casual onlookers. Ladies of any age who arrive bright and early (before 9 am) on Wednesday will receive a free hot chocolate, coffee or tea from the tuck shop, while displays, a kiddie’s corner and various stalls will also be available to visitors. The gates open at 7 am and races start at 10 am, so arrive early with your family in tow and get settled in for an exciting Women’s Day spent at the racing tracks. The event is also a charity collection for women in need, so feel free to bring along any toiletries or sanitary items which can be dropped at collection points at the gates, to be distributed to homeless women and school girls. Tickets cost R70. Under 16’s pay R20 and kids under 12 enter for free. For more info, call 021 557 1639.
Craft Beer at Cape Brewing Company (CBC) – Why not visit the beautiful Spice Route in Paarl with your lady at your side, to enjoy the awesome Women’s Day discounts at the famous Cape Brewing Company. A favourite among many Capetonians and tourists, CBC’s craft beers are nothing short of amazing and combine passion and pride to produce a series of well loved beers in their established brewery. So what is the Women’s Day special at the Cape Brewing Company? All ladies can enjoy a 50% Discount on the CBC Master Beer Tasting, as well as receive a free bottle of peach or raspberry Krystal Weiss after the tasting. The modern and welcoming CBC brewery is set on the stunning farm of the Spice Route where visitors can explore the expansive natural gardens while being surrounded by fresh mountain air, grab a lunch at one of the restaurants nearby, explore arts and crafts and even take part in a delicious chocolate tasting – all found at the Spice Route. Make everlasting memories with your lady friends, or surprise the special women in your life to something magical to make this an incredible Women’s Day. Address:: Suid-Agter Paarl Road Suider-Paarl . Call 021 863 2270 for more info or to book.
Cooking and Lunch at Ginger & Lime: Experience a wonderful time at the Ginger & Lime Food Studio in Fresnaye, where the friendly team approaches their slogan of “love and cooking with reckless abandon” and embraces cooking techniques and cuisines from around the world. On Women’s Day Ginger & Lime will be hosting an interactive cooking class for ladies from mid-morning and then will follow with a delicious brunch to be accompanied by some superb wines to be enjoyed by all. The pristine and state of the art kitchen at Ginger & Lime is the perfect place to bring out your inner “Masterchef” and be creative with food among professionals and friends. Bring your sister, colleague, mother or female friends along and learn a few cooking tricks before indulging in a fantastic Women’s Day meal over great company. As a special treat, inspirational guest speakers have also been invited to talk and share stories from all walks of life. All ladies attending will also receive a goody bags to take home with them. The price per person is R650 and includes drinks, a menu and a booklet, as well as all the excitement of cooking and enjoying a gourmet meal at Ginger and Lime. Call 083 660 1146 to book your space.
High Tea along the West Coast – The stunning Blue Bay Lodge & Resort is hosting a wonderful Women’s Day high tea, which will be starting at 10 am and running till 2 pm. This High Tea Lunch and event will include a welcome drink and goodie back with some sensational teas like Darling Sweet Tea and Carmien tea on offer, as well as a delightful toffee pairing. An insightful flower bouquet demo and even a chocolate presentation by Gay from “A Cake Story” can also be enjoyed on the day. A scrumptious Women’s Day High Tea buffet lunch is the perfect way to spend the afternoon and will serve up some exceptional food, while a fashion show collaborating with the local Mooi Boutique and an exciting make-up presentation by Pearl’s beauty salon & Environ are sure to keep all the ladies interested. The beautiful and contemporary Blue Bay Lodge & Resort is located at Saldanha Bay along the West Coast and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean over sandy whiter shores. To book, call 022 714 1177.
Treats at Black Forest Cafe – This lovely casual dining cafe in the beautiful Table View area of Cape Town offers guests an amazing time with superb coffee and fabulous foods and treats. With the Black Forest Cafe’s enchanting display or fresh cakes, cookies, muffins and tarts the regular “oohs and aahs” of delight can be heard as diners consider their many options over a hot cup of java. This Woman’s Day, every “girl person” that orders a coffee or meal will receive a free house favourite at Black Forest Cafe, a tasty black forest cookie. Of course, the normal daily menu will also be available to all guests and comprises of hot soups, flavourful all-day breakfasts and coffee directly from the popular Flatmountain Roastery in Cape Town City. Seating inside is cosy and stylish with rustic charm, while seating outside overlooks the spacious garden where kids can play and have fun for hours on end. Open from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Call 076 538 0711 for more information.