ENTREPRENEUR ANNETTE SKAAP’S BOUTIQUE HOTEL SUCCEEDS BY KEEPING IT ONE HUNDRED PERCENT KHAYELITSHA
The more that township-raised Annette Skaap saw of the world and all its luxury, the more convinced she was that Khayelitsha could match it with the Spade Boutique Hotel and Spa.
Annette Skaap is an entrepreneur whose triumph is as much for her community as herself. Born in Kwa-Langa and raised in Khayelitsha, her view of humble beginnings is to embrace, build on and transform the places she calls home.
Having been in the aviation industry for 10 years and travelled around the world while being exposed to opulence and luxury, ignited Annette’s vision to bring that into Khayelitsha township and open her own hotel.
In the same month of its opening Annette also brought home her new baby boy, to raise there – which is a full vote of confidence in her kasi.
“Khayelitsha is home for me. My vision has always been to put Khayelitsha on the map, to bring the world to Khayelitsha as well as local and international tourists to experience the positive side of the township. To share spaces with ordinary people,” comments the entrepreneur.
In launching the first 4-star Hotel and Spa, in a township, Annette is following the fine example of the economic opportunities and development available in the area.
“I saw a gap in the market with an influx of people coming into the Western Cape and Khayelitsha, and I thought why not seize the opportunity by developing a string of rental flats for safe and secure accommodation. I also saw that Khayelitsha has become a hub of lifestyle and entertainment, with entertainment spots opening up. I managed to pull people from outside to come and experience the lifestyle so I thought why not open a hotel so that people that come to Khayelitsha so they can stay over.
The Spade Boutique Hotel & Spa, 8 Alfred Nzo Street, Mandela Park, Khayelitsha 7784 Cape Town, South Africa. For bookings email info@thespadeboutiquehotel.co.za, call +27-21-285-0445 or Whatsapp 066 011 5664
The Spade Boutique Hotel and Spa has 13 suites, pamper parlour and a conference centre. It emplos 17 staff members, all from Khayelitsha, and used small black owned businesses for the construction and decor that came from the township.
These include Aubrey Dolweni, the owner of first class joinery business Obside Interiors and visual artist Olwethu Patuleni who’s work can be found throughout the hotel. The confident, female, African character in many of his portraits is fitting in spaces created by just such a woman. While the room, luxurious as they are, feels authentic to where it is.
CONNECT WITH THE SPADE HOTEL
The Spade Boutique Hotel & Spa, 8 Alfred Nzo Street, Mandela Park, Khayelitsha 7784 Cape Town, South Africa. For bookings email info@thespadeboutiquehotel.co.za, call +27-21-285-0445 or Whatsapp 066 011 5664
CONNECT WITH AUBREY
CONNECT WITH OLWETHU
Contact Olwethu on 0670465351 or visit him on Instagram.
