Cape Town’s inner city is about to host one of its most ambitious community events yet, with a stretch of Bree Street given over to a shared table for all.

On Mandela Day, Saturday 18 July, a section of Bree Street opposite Riebeek Square will be transformed into a public langtafel, seating up to 1 600 people, from 12:00 to 17:00.

The event is a partnership between Young Urbanists, Community Chest, Studio H, and Mission for Inner City Cape Town, with several others in support.

A meal for everyone

Whether you bring your own food, buy from one of the participating local eateries or simply arrive with an appetite and an open heart, there is a place for you at the table. Free bread will be on offer for all, plus a surprise dessert. For those who cannot afford a meal, up to 500 sponsored meals will be provided through Community Chest and its partners.

The langtafel is accompanied by a special open-street activation on Bree, giving the day a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly feel. While the street’s popular open-street events normally take place on Sundays, this one has been arranged specially for the occasion.

Additional activations are planned throughout the afternoon, making it well worth spending a few hours in the city. Visitors can also volunteer on the day, helping with set-up or assisting Community Chest with meal service.

Bree Street, ranked the 11th most famous street in the world by Time Out magazine (in 2024) makes for a fittingly iconic backdrop.

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Get involved

To volunteer on the day, sign up at luma.com/youngurbanistss.

For more information, visit youngurbanists.co.za (https://www.youngurbanists.co.za).

As Mandela himself said: “Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity, it is an act of justice.”

This Mandela Day, Bree Street offers a small but meaningful way to live that out.

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