In celebration of South Africa’s Tourism and Heritage Month, the Century City Conference Centre hosted Locally Inspired – a vibrant showcase of the best of South African culture, creativity and cuisine.
The event brought together media, creatives and food lovers to honour Cape Town’s rich heritage and thriving tourism sector, while highlighting the Conference Centre’s commitment to local partnerships. Guests were welcomed with warm hospitality from Bootlegger Coffee, the Centre’s newest partner, and treated to traditional koe’sisters and koeksisters to set the tone for the afternoon.
“Century City Conference Centre is not only an award-winning venue, it’s a living showcase of local art, food, and partnerships that define our unique identity,” said Gary Koetser, CEO of Century City Conference Centre and Hotels. “This event demonstrated how collaboration can strengthen communities, honour our heritage, and create experiences that truly stand out.”
Ricky Ruthenberg, CEO of Bootlegger Coffee Company, echoed the sentiment:
“Bootlegger has always been about more than coffee – it’s about people, passion, and place. Together with Century City Conference Centre, we’re building experiences that showcase Cape Town’s creativity, culture, and tourism appeal.”
A Celebration of Art and Flavour
The event featured two key highlights that captured the spirit of local heritage:
A Paint Masterclass with Fadiel Hermans
The celebrated Bo-Kaap-born artist guided guests through creating a unique art piece inspired by Signal Hill and the colourful houses of his childhood neighbourhood. Hermans’s work, rooted in memory and lived experience, reflects the vibrancy and resilience of Cape Town’s heritage.A Heritage Cuisine Tasting with Chef Abbas Abrahams
Executive Chef Abbas presented a menu of locally inspired canapés, including a Masala Steak Gatsby, Bobotie Spring Rolls, and a classic Melktert. With nearly four decades of culinary experience, Chef Abbas shared personal stories behind each dish – offering guests both flavour and history on a plate.
As a parting gift, guests received homemade blatjang (a cherished family recipe from Chef Abbas’s mother), hertzoggies and Bootlegger coffee capsules – a fitting close to a day that celebrated community, culture and collaboration.
Strengthening Community Through Partnership
The Locally Inspired event was more than just a showcase. It demonstrated how proudly local partnerships – from art and food to coffee and culture – can honour South Africa’s heritage while building meaningful connections.
By championing local creativity and collaboration, Century City Conference Centre continues to create experiences that not only celebrate our cultural legacy but also strengthen the communities that make Cape Town such a unique destination.
