Kraaifontein's Famous ADWA CAFE
One can easily overlook the local entrepreneurs, but according to Vuyani Plaatjie, also affectionately known as Vido, the economy of the country is reliant on local entrepreneurs and Small to Medium Enterprises ( SME’s). Vuyani, owner of Adwa Café and Café Wallacedene, a self- groomed entrepreneur, started selling at his primary school when he was doing grade 4. Inspired by his mother, also in business, he saw an opportunity to make money by selling sweets and chips, ( amashwam- shwam) commonly known to many. “I was always that child who found happiness when selling something. It has been for the most part of my life and I found inspiration in that.” Fortunately for him, there was no competition at school, hence he continued his vending business until he completed his matric. After matric, he went on to study and train in the film- making discipline, which he worked as a part of until he left it in 2011. “I worked under a registered production company, but you’d never fail to see me selling stuff. My most fond saying is: what you do as an older person has always been at the back of your mind in your childhood.”
After leaving the film making business, Vido chose the entrepreneurial business and opened his own “tshisa nyama”. With only R150- 00 capital to start the business, he was now the only one in his street who was operating as a business. He started by having his stand on the corner of his house and selling chicken wings. This business grew exponentially, more especially that it was the only “tshisa nyama” in the area. From operating on the street to finally establishing his own café, he expanded in the service offerings of the business, varying from call- ins to home delivery services, catering and hosting of events. This establishment has brought in the needed hype to the community and surrounding areas. It is now one of the best chilling places in Kraaifontein and rightfully so. Competing with other “tshisa nyama” places in Cape Town.
When entering the establishment, you can see the kind of man Vido is. A down to earth person who is easy to communicate with and makes you feel at home. The jazzy ambiance in the room makes one to relax and enjoy the surroundings and good music. While relaxing, you see Vido, the owner, making rounds ensuring that everything runs smoothly. A man who is a pioneer in the “tshisa nyama” business in Kraaifontein.
On 30th of September, Café Wallacedene was established. This café was establishment was named to pay homage to the community that shaped and moulded him in business. This attests to the growth of the business and how it’s thriving throughout Cape Town. Adwa Café has delivery services to other communities. “We have delivered as far as Sea Point and are happy with the exponential growth”.
I have permanently employed six youths and have four temps who help out during weekends and big events. It also enlightens them of the many opportunities there are for them. “I strive to create more employment for the local youth, it gives them chances to better themselves and contribute to the economic growth of the country.
“The government should not take the back seat in investing in small businesses. Government should direct young people to business and they should not be afraid to start new initiatives,” he says. “”
The name Adwa is taken from the city in Ethiopia. “If you read into history and understand colonization, Africa was colonized but Ethiopia was never colonized. It is the only country on the continent that still has its independence. There was a great battle that took place between the Ethiopians and the Italians who wanted to invade the country. The battle took place at Adwa, also called the war of sticks and stones. This is the only war the Africans won. It serves as an inspiration to all Africans that we can overcome if we work together against a common enemy.” The meaning of Adwa is taken from Ethiopia, a country that was never colonized.