Taj Cape Town is proud to have recently partnered with StreetSmart South Africa, an initiative working towards alleviating the plight of street children.

StreetSmart raises money via participating restaurants, and distributes this money directly to organisations with the experience and facilities to help vulnerable children. The initiative runs throughout the year and StreetSmart South Africa’s current beneficiaries are organisations that work with street children and as well as other children who are vulnerable and are at risk of becoming street children.

The way it works is;  participating restaurants display a StreetSmart card on the table informing patrons that a voluntary R5.00 donation will be added to their bill, although there is the option to give more than R5.00 – or not give at all. Every cent raised in the restaurants goes to the selected beneficiaries in each city, town or area while all StreetSmart’s operational costs are taken care of by corporate sponsorships. In 2012 StreetSmart restaurants and their patrons managed to raise R675 000 directly benefiting over 1108 children through various beneficiary organisations in the communities of participating restaurants.

StreetSmart South Africa was set up in 2005 by a group of concerned Capetonians under the patronage of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. It’s a registered Non-Profit Organisation and Public Benefit Organisation comprised of resourceful board members representing business and the hospitality and tourism industries.

The long-term vision is to develop a StreetSmart South Africa with key restaurants in all major centres, although at this point in time it is only operating in Cape Town, Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Somerset West. The number of participating restaurants now stands at 51, with six new restaurants embracing StreetSmart’s vision this year, including Mint Restaurant at Taj Cape Town.

The Taj Cape Town offers luxury accommodation in Cape Town in the heart of the city and hosts a selection of fine dining restaurants with street parking available in Queen Victoria Street and secure parking available at Mandela Rhodes Place.

2013 is in full swing and the summer season sees the return of some of the Cape Town’s classic January events.  From classic cars to classic plays, there is plenty for visitors and locals alike to enjoy this month with a range of exciting attractions and happenings to kick-start the coming year as the Mother City prepares to become Design Capital of the World in 2014.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Maynardville kicks off its impressive 57th season with an African-infused production of Shakespeare’s classic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream by famed director and master of multiple theatrical arts, Fred Abrahamse.

Maynardville is the home of Shakespearean theatre in the Mother City and has attracted scores of visitors to the open-air venue. From fans of Shakespeare’s classic plays to learners looking at the chance to experience their school curriculum set works with a distinct South African flair.

The show will preview on the Monday, 21 and Tuesday, 22 January 2013 and there are special rates for ticket prices which will range from R110 to R160 for two. The rest of the show’s run is set for Wednesday, 23 January until Saturday, 23 February 2013 and as single tickets are at the full price of R110 to R160, it is highly encouraged to invite a friend or partner to take advantage of the special rates and enjoy a spectacular evening of theatre.

Classic Car and Bike Show

The Classic Car and Bike Show is a charity fundraiser for the International Police Association, an international non-profit organisation who conceived the idea in 1999. The exhibition is a must see for those with a love for restored classic vehicles and well-maintained vintage cars. Hot rods, street rods, modified and custom vehicles as well as race cars and motorcycles will be on display.

It’s a weekend event with a range of food stalls and a beer garden with the addition of a jumping castle to entertain the children. Make it an outing for the whole family. The Classic Car and Bike Show will be taking place on Saturday, 19 and Sunday, 20 of January 2013. The exhibition is at the Timour Hall Villa in Plumstead, Cape Town with entry at just R20 per person.

Transport can be arranged for any guests of the Taj Cape Town who wish to attend these events, in one of our hotel’s luxury vehicles.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town. Situated in the Cape Town city centre, the Taj is conveniently situated close to many Cape Town attractions.