Cuppa Cafe - The Heart Beat Of Melville

Happy October Melville! It feels like its been forever since the last issue, but fear not, we’re back! This week’s newsletter is short, but still sweet as ever.

In today’s Melville Untold,

• Cuppa Cafe - The Heart Beat Of Melville

• Safe Streets Project: Green Lights and Good Vibes!

• Healing Hearts in Melville

Let’s go. 

• Aubrey “Snaps” Moloto, 

Special mention of the week: Kamo Paris, Happy Birthday! We hope you have an amazing day! - From the team 🤍

❤️ Cuppa Cafe - The Heart Beat Of Melville ☕️

Cuppa Cafe could possibly be the heartbeat of Melville. Referred to as an “institution” by the youthful new owner, Nokuthula. It has held some of the most important conversations and moments in South Africa’s history. Cuppa may as well be the most important establishment here. Founded by a true Melville icon, Ms Ellie, a Dutch migrant about 25 years ago. Ellie was a housewife with a passion for cooking and baking. She had a close relationship with the owner of another iconic, Melville business, the baked goodies shop, Koljander. The owner of Koljander egged Ms Ellie on to purchase this cosy little place, then called Kafe Kira and make it her own. She did and changed the name to Cuppa Cafe. Ellie didn’t just build a restaurant with a strong client base, she built a home with a family. A home built exactly for those who needed it and built just for them. “Cuppa Cafe is not for everyone, but those that it is for, find their way here eventually.” Smiled Nokhutula.

Cuppa Cafe is a place where like-minded people can meet, enjoy home-style comfort food and cross paths with polar opposites. They can then have constructive discussions about social issues, politics and life in general. Situated right across the pathway from the Medi-cross Clinic, many people find themselves seeking comfort there too. Straight after a doctor for your body, this warm place is a doctor for your heart. The ideal place to go if you want to be looked after. Owned by a young lady, who is extremely energetic, full of life and embodies empathy, Nokuthula. A millennial, with a boomer soul. Nokuthula’s ownership style is customer-centric. Service over everything. Her hands-on approach reminded me of a charismatic, get-sh*t-done handyman rather than a restauranteur. She personally receives you as you walk in, engages you, shifts your mood then serves you herself, no hosts or waiters. I saw her serve 3 different tables, in 3 different languages, Afrikaans, isiZulu and Sesotho. Talk about customised service!

Cuppa Cafe is an old place, it feels old too. The place is best described by Nokuthula as “rustig”. It feels like you’ve entered a time chamber. It has cream walls tattooed with scribbles of past patron’s experiences and memories there. Icons such as Kagiso Rabada, the Daily Sun’s Vincent Pienaar, Barand Le Grange and many more local celebs, political figures and important people in South Africa’s diverse historic landscape have left their mark there too. You’ll also find vintage expressionistic paintings and old newspaper clippings of Cuppa’s past media coverage. The only thing brought in by the new owner is a broken boomerang, bought for her son by his grandmother overseas. Nokhutula had it framed by Joshua Kunene at the framing shop on 7th Street, adding a little touch of herself to this homey Melville heritage site. The tables each have a deck of Creative Problem Solving Cards that seem to draw you a card that knows exactly what you’re battling with in life at that moment. It’s a nice touch. Overall the place has an air of old South Africa, but inclusive.

Another fresh air of change she blew in was an update on the food menus’ contents, look and feel. It’s a breakfast-heavy menu with almost any kind of breakfast meal you could crave and a very short lunch section at the back. Most notably the toasties and Tramazini’s. Each item on the menu is named after regulars like Johan’s Creamy Banting Breakfast or Jean’s Biltong Salad, named after the Medi-cross doctor. I had the Nokhutula’s Super Starter - 2 scrambled eggs, spinach, avocado, savoury mince, grilled mushrooms and crispy bacon. My companion, Kamo (Snaps On Seventh team member) had the 2 Toasted Buttery Croissants with Bacon, Avocado, Mushroom, Scrambled Egg and Cheddar Cheese meal. Their portions are MASSIVE.  I washed it all down with an amazing cappuccino, creamy and just strong enough to kick some life into my a**! And a Bar-one Milkshake for the lady. (Another nostalgic moment for me, my first date in grade 3 was here. We had milkshakes!)

The food experience was pleasant. Nothing fancy but definitely did the job. My Nokuthula Super Starter meal was a very wholesome and balanced breakfast. Taste-wise, there wasn’t one thing that was super memorable or gave bursts of flavour.  The croissants were good, very soft and fresh. The avos were perfectly ripe. The croissants were my favourite part of both meals. The cappuccino was a big highlight as well, made from their own beans. 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta. (That one was for the coffee snobs. Psss… It’s safe!) The meals were nothing surprising good or bad, just exactly what you would expect from a classic breakfast done in your own home. If you’re a half-decent cook, you could probably do it yourself, but where’s the fun in that? Cuppa is more geared for your convenience than a thrilling taste experience. It’s about the feeling of a comforting place that takes the time and makes extra effort to customise your experience. It’s optimised for comfort, nostalgia and convenience. They aren’t trying to win competitions, and they are perfectly fine with that.

Overall, we conclude that Cuppa isn’t for everyone, but it is for anyone. It’s comfy and has a feel-good homely feeling. It’s not a five-star, gourmet eatery, nor does it try to be. It holds character and culture. That’s what gives it the charm. It’s a place for people with substance, people who can appreciate beauty from looking past the surface. We started the Melville Untold to spotlight hidden gems, and with Cuppa Cafe, we hit the nail on the head! It’s places like this that quantify what Melville is about. History, culture and character. We made sure to wrap the chat up by asking Nokhutula a top question…what she loves about Melville. She said “ The people, how warm they are. The richness of people’s individual history and yet they still seek to be of service. Melville people are intentional about being the catalysts of growth. That’s what sets us apart.”

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What’s Happenin’ 🤔

Big first week week in the new month ahead. Month end in Melville always offers lots to do!

Kids And Family Friendly Things To Do 🏡

05/10 Saturday | 9:00am - 2pm | Kruis Church, Melville | Melville Market

05/10 Saturday | 9:00am - 2pm | Melville Tennis Courts | Melville Artisanal Market

04/10 Friday | 6pm - 9pm | The Melville Mudroom | First Fridays - A social evening creating with clay | R550 pp

Karaoke 🎤

02/10 - 22/09 Wednesday & Sunday | 6.30pm to 12am | Ratz Bar | Prizes to be won | Free entry

03/10 Wednesday | Karaoke Kong | 6pm - 10pm | Karaoke Fundraiser for Karibu Jamii Ladies Residence |  Tickets from R50

03/10 Thursday | 7.30pm to 12am | Jo’anna Meltbar | Free entry

04/10 Friday | 8pm to 12am | SIX Cocktail Bar | Free entry

06/10 Sunday | Karaoke Kong | 1pm - 8pm | Paint, Sip & Sing: A Painting Masterclass |  Tickets from R250

02/10 Wednesday | Karaoke Kong | 6.30 pm til late | Post Malone Quiz Night |  Free Entry Via Quicket

02/10 Wednesday| 7pm - 9.30pm | Coca Lounge | Canvas, Couture and Cocktails - Jozi in Spring | VIP ticket includes gourmet burger of your choice | Tickets from R220 | Reserve your canvas & drinks

02/10 |  Wednesday | Smoking Kills Bar | Smoking Kills Bar Take Over - RLYGOODBAR | Drinks by Naked Malt

05/10 Saturday | 2 pm | Book Circle Capital, 27boxes | Book Launch: The Family Matriarch by Rudzani Khashane | RSVP: [email protected]

06/10 Sunday 2pm | SIX Cocktail Bar | Salsa Sunday’s - Lesson’s by Pule Pujas Seleki | Free entry

06/10 Sunday | Blanco On 7th | Bottomless Mimosas Sundays | All day | Reservations 0662082548

07/10 Monday | 8pm | SIX Cocktail Bar | Monday Night Comedy featuring new and seasoned comedians | Free entry

Melville Weather For The Week ☀️ 

Rising temperatures ahead, get ready for a sweaty October!

Tuesday

20 🌡️ 6  | ☀️ | 🌧️ 0% | 11 km/h 💨

Wednesday 

22 🌡️ 7  | ☀️ | 🌧️ 1% | 11 km/h 💨

Thursday  

23 🌡️ 7 | ☀️ | 🌧️ 1% | 13 km/h 💨

Friday 

23🌡️ 8 | ☀️ | 🌧️ 0% | 13 km/h 💨

Saturday 

26 🌡️ 8 | ⛅️ | 🌧️ 0% | 13 km/h 💨

Sunday

25 🌡️ 12 |  🌤️ | 🌧️ 19% | 15 km/h 💨

Monday 

30 🌡️ 12 | ☀️ | 🌧️ 7% | 11 km/h 💨

Live & Music Events Lowdown 🎸

03/10 Wednesday | SIX Cocktails Bar | Live Jazz Sessions | 8 pm til late | Free entrance 

04/10 Friday | 7pm - 11pm | Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi | Tumi Mogorosi | Tickets from R200 | No Under 13s

05/10 Friday | 1pm - 6pm | Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi | Apho Kungenje: Listening Session | Tickets Free | No Under 13s

05/10 Friday | 6pm - 11pm | Chiesa di PAZZO LUPi | Herbie Tsoaeli: In the Meantime Quintet | Tickets From R250

05/10 Friday | 8pm - 2am | Smoking Kills Bar | Jack Parow feat Kearne Dragon live | Tickets from R100

06/10 Sunday| 4pm | Jo’anna Meltbar | Sola Vida Drum & Bass | 1/2 price cocktails | Free entry all day

07/10 Monday | Blanco On 7th | Mogodu Lifestyle Monday | Reservations 0662082548

If this week’s comprehensive weather and gig guide helped you, consider buying us a coffee.
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UJ Sport 🏉

🏃‍♂️ UJ Future Walk 2024: A Stride Towards a Brighter Future

This past weekend, the AW Muller Stadium at UJ's Bunting Road Campus was buzzing with energy as the UJ Future Walk 2024 took place.

The event, aimed at bridging the funding gap for underprivileged students, saw an impressive turnout. Celebrities rubbed shoulders with alumni, while current students and faculty members laced up their walking shoes for a good cause. It was a true community effort that showcased the power of coming together for positive change.

The UJ Sports Division, along with other UJ departments, put on quite a show. This wasn't just a walk – it was a statement about the community's commitment to education and student support.

For those already looking forward to next year's event, keep an eye on UJ's social media channels for updates. Who knows? You might find yourself walking alongside a local celebrity for a great cause in 2025!

🏐 The 2024 FNB Varsity Netball Tournament continues and UJ are still unstoppable beating NWU Eagles again 55 points to 48! Catch the action live on Supersport channel on DSTV

Civil Matters 👷‍♀️

🚧 Safe Streets Project: Green Lights and Good Vibes!

Hold onto your hats, Melvillains, because we've got some traffic-stopping news for you! The Safe Streets initiative just got a big thumbs up from the city, and it looks to be cruising into the next phase.

The city's given the Melville Security Initiative and Safe Streets traffic study the green light, basically saying, "Hey, this Safe Streets thing? It won't turn Melville into a giant parking lot!" That's right, guys - we're one step closer to safer (sexier?) streets!

The next steps in the process are:

1. Upcoming Section 45.2 meeting with city officials

2. Potential refinements to designs based on city feedback

3. If approved, they'll move on to the advertising and objection phase

4. Handling of any objections by the city and applicant

Community Actions Underway

• Designing booms, gates, and closures (community input welcome!)

• Finalising the financial and operating model

• Selecting the Safe Streets security services partner

While it's challenging for them to provide a precise timeline, they're cautiously optimistic. A conservative estimate suggests they might receive final approval in the second quarter of 2025, with construction potentially beginning in the third quarter. However, this process could move faster.

For any questions or input you can contact [email protected].

Extra Sprinkles  

Healing Hearts in Melville

A new passion project is taking shape in our quirky neighbourhood - The Museum of Broken Hearts. This idea by one of our own is located at 71 2nd Avenue, this isn't your typical museum. It's a space for collective storytelling, healing, and resilience.

The concept? Contribute an artefact that represents a heartbreak in your life. It could be anything from unused honeymoon tickets to a sweater that still carries a lost loved one's scent. Each item tells a story of love, loss, and the journey of healing.

How you participate:

1. Wrap your artefact in newspaper (bubble wrap it first if it's fragile)

2. Attach a note detailing your heartbreak's timeline and your healing journey

3. Drop off your item at the museum

Your anonymous contribution becomes part of a powerful collective experience, helping you process pain while potentially helping others find strength.

The museum is open Sundays from 8am-5pm. Launch details are coming soon, so keep an eye out!

For more info, contact Chris (076 704 8819) or Georgia (082 801 4801).

Remember, Melville, in sharing our heartbreaks, we might just find a way to mend them together!

Thank you! 🙏

That’s it for today! If you have made it this far, I’m sure you have noticed a little alteration to our format. We’ve decided to go with one long-form story each week. After speaking with a few readers we noticed that not every piece is being read. It's mostly because the full newsletter is a very long read.

So, let us know your thoughts! Reply to this email if you prefer the old format, or if you have any suggestions that could make this newsletter serve our community better.

Next week we break down all the bodies that keep Melville running, MRA, MSI and the MBA.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to work with us, hit us up on anyone of our platforms, or even easier, just reply to this mail! What are you waiting for?

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Til next week, totsiens!✌️🤍