My Cape Town
KAFUI ANWOONOR :: IMAGES: MICHEL APPIAH
Yoga instructor and entrepreneur Kafui Awoonor believes that yoga should be accessible to all and started her Holding Space yoga studio with the intention of introducing yoga to people from all walks of life. Her practices are a reflection of South Africa’s diversity, and she’s since moved from her studio in Woodstock – the first black-owned-and-run yoga studio in Cape Town – to offering sessions in scenic spots around the city. We chatted with Kafui about her favourite spaces in Cape Town and local businesses she loves.
I have been practising yoga on and off for almost 20 years. It has been an up and down journey, but the past 10 years have felt deeper, more solid.
Being based in the city centre, I enjoy walking a lot. It slows me down and gives me a different perspective. And I get to encounter places and people I wouldn’t otherwise if I was in a car.
I founded Holding Space out of a need for a diverse, inclusive space for people of colour who are interested in embodied practices. Cape Town is quite exclusionary when it comes to wellness. It was when I first moved here, and still is in a lot of ways. It felt necessary to create instead of continuously asking other spaces to change.
In summer I hold sessions at the Pipe track and in Sea Point on the promenade. I generally try to offer outside sessions as much as possible, including private classes. In general, I’m happiest in nature – so any time I can go for a walk or a hike with good people, I’m in!
A favourite eatery of mine is Tapi Tapi – they serve the most amazing ice cream inspired by indigenous African flavours and have now expanded into a restaurant. I order as many different things off the menu as I can – I love trying new things there!
My regular spot for a hot beverage is Maria’s on Dunkley Square I go there so often that they don’t even ask what I want to drink anymore, just bring me my usual – mint tea with honey.
My favourite out-of-town holiday spot is Wilderness. Its lushness makes me very happy! The Drakensberg mountains are always a spiritual experience and homecoming for me.
What is something that I wish more people could experience in Cape Town? I wish black people could all enjoy living here freely, safely and deeply rooted.
