On the West Coast Road near, just 70 km from Cape Town, Khwa ttu stands as a living example of how heritage can open the door to opportunity. More than a cultural and heritage centre, Khwa ttu has become a hub of empowerment, blending ancient traditions with modern innovation to create sustainable livelihoods for the San people.
One of Khwa ttu’s most powerful initiatives is its internship programme, which offers young San individuals not just training, but the confidence to build a better future. Through a residential experience, participants learn life skills and heritage-based practices such as cultivating medicinal and food plants. With mentors guiding them beyond the classroom, graduates are equipped to support their families, their communities, and their culture with dignity.
Art to Enterprise
Khwa ttu also provides a platform for San artists and entrepreneurs. Exhibitions of paintings, beadwork, and craft connect creators directly with buyers, ensuring income flows straight to the artists themselves. A recent showcase of Naro paintings highlighted how culture can be both celebrated and translated into real-world opportunity, proving that heritage and business can thrive hand-in-hand.
Local Partnerships
Opportunity here extends beyond the San community. Khwa ttu’s “Supplier Road Trip” initiative builds relationships with small-scale farmers and producers in the region. From organic vegetables to artisanal cheeses and local craft beer, these partnerships strengthen the surrounding economy, while ensuring Khwa ttu’s offerings are authentically tied to the land and people of the West Coast.
At the same time, Khwa ttu opens its doors to the world. Workshops such as “Cobbleration” bring together Indigenous artisans from across the globe, creating a space where ancestral knowledge is shared, preserved, and reinvented for today. These cultural exchanges enrich not only the San, but also all who engage with them.
Heritage as Opportunity
In a world facing economic uncertainty and social challenges, Khwa ttu reminds us that opportunity is not only about markets and money. It is about people, culture, and community. By turning heritage into opportunity, Khwa ttu ensures that the story of the San is not just preserved—it is given new life, hope, and pride for generations to come.
