In the townships of Cape Town, where challenges often overshadow opportunities, Cikizwa—affectionately known as Ciki—has built a thriving culinary business against the odds. Her journey is one of resilience, determination, and the crucial role of funding in helping entrepreneurs take their first steps towards success. Southern Hemisphere has been so inspired by Ciki’s Graceland Cafe’s success and have been proud to play a small part in her journey.

Ciki is the proud owner of Ciki Graceland Café, a catering business specialising in African cuisine. Her mission is to share quality traditional African food with both locals and internationals, uniting people through food. Her passion for cooking began in childhood, learning from her aunt in Port Elizabeth. However, transforming that passion into a business required perseverance, adaptability, and financial support. After working in customer service and administration, Ciki took a leap of faith in 2017 by joining a church entrepreneurship course linked to Logos University. “That’s when I got the vision to start a catering business,” she recalls. Starting from home, she built a client base and refined her skills. During this period, she participated in the Tsiba College competition for entrepreneurs, which she won. This connected her to Southern Hemisphere, making her a beneficiary of their Enterprise Development Programme. 

However, when COVID-19 hit in 2020, her business struggled. With no financial support available, she relied on savings to sustain her family. Through Southern Hemisphere’s Moreeda, she learnt about opportunities at Makers Landing, a hub for small food businesses at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. “In 2021, I joined the Makers Landing Incubation Programme,” she says, describing it as a pivotal moment in refining her brand and expanding her product line centred on authentic African cuisine. Offering family combo meals and catering for events helped her business grow despite the uncertainties of the pandemic. 

As COVID-19 restrictions eased, Ciki focused on expanding her business, reconnecting with Southern Hemisphere and receiving additional support from SEDA, Mutualism, and the Tsiba Foundation. Their funding and mentorship propelled Ciki Graceland Café forward. She secured a space in dry storage, a walk-in fridge, and a freezer at Makers Landing. She also opened a food stall at Maynard Mall Mzansi Food and, in 2022, purchased a food trailer, securing a spot at Old Mutual Park in Pinelands. “By 2023, my business had flourished,” Ciki beams with pride. She catered for large-scale events, including an EFF gathering with 900 attendees and a South African Police Service event, solidifying her market presence. Managing such large events, she explains, requires collaboration. “Collaboration is key,” she emphasises, highlighting how she partners with other caterers and provides unemployed youth with job opportunities. 

Ciki’s story is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially young women facing similar challenges. It is a testament to resilience, collaboration, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Looking ahead, she is determined to secure further funding to transform her home into a large kitchen and open a restaurant catering to both local and international clients. Her vision is to establish herself as a leader in African traditional cuisine, celebrating South Africa’s rich culinary heritage. 

At Southern Hemisphere, we are inspired by Ciki Graceland Café’s success, a testament to the power of financial and mentorship support. Investing in businesses like Ciki’s not only drives economic growth but also preserves cultural heritage and enhances social cohesion. Our Enterprise Development Programme and similar initiatives play a crucial role in promoting sustainable, positive change in our communities. As champions of social justice, we take pride in supporting ventures that align with our vision—making a lasting difference, one business at a time.