Impilo Yethu means "our life" in the Xhosa language, and that is what we hope to share with our guests through our Homestays! We are a group of women working together to provide income opportunities for families in our community and share our life with guests from across the globe.
Imizamo Yethu is situated in the picturesque seaside suburb of Hout Bay and is rich in South African culture with many sites & activities in the area. 5 min to the beach or the vibrant Bay Harbour Market. Only a 15 min drive to the Constantia Winelands or Kirstenbosch Gardens and 25 minutes into Cape Town city. Imizamo Yethu means “Our Collective Effort” in isiXhosa and is also commonly called I.Y. or Mandela Park. Imizamo Yethu was established after South Africa achieved democracy and there is great Pan-African cultural diversity with approximately half the residents from other parts of South Africa and half from other African countries such as Malawi, Zimbabwe, and the DRC.
Mirriam Mdoda
Co-Founder
Homestay Host/ Meal Host
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15777683
Mirriam is an inspiring grandmother who not only takes care of her granddaughter but also looks after her community by running her own soup kitchen to prepare food for community members awaiting services at the local medical clinic, elderly groups, and Sakhisizwe Youth Programme. Contact us about our Impilo Yethu Meals programme if you would like to join Mama Miriam for a traditional lunch or dinner in her home. Her chakalaka will make your mouth water!
Mhinti Pato
Co-Founder
Homestay Co-Host/ Experience Host
+27(0)792520150 for tours
Mhinti has completed the AirBnb Homestay Host Training and is a registered Tour Guide. She offers many community experiences around Hout Bay and is the founder and director of Sakhisizwe Youth Development Project.
Nomsa Ndabambi
Homestay Host
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/19666026
Nomsa has completed the AirBnb Homestay Host Training and is excited to welcome you to her home! She is an artisan who works at a local social enterprise making beautiful objects and purses out of recycled tea bags.
Langa
Langa is Cape Town’s oldest remaining township, established in 1923 and is steeped in history. Make sure to visit the old post office museum to learn more about how Langa residents were controlled during the Apartheid era and the effects forced removals had on Cape Town residents. Also visit Guga S'thebe which is home to a tourism office as well as many local artisans. There is also a performing arts centre which often has performances and events. There are many exciting annual events in Langa such as Open Streets and the Bridges for Music concert.
The name Langa means “sun” in the Xhosa language, but the name of the township is actually derived from the name Langalibalele – a famous chief who was imprisoned on Robben Island for rebelling against the government.
Nomsa Somtsewu
Homestay Host
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23460050
Nomsa has been hosting guests in her family home since 2009. The large five bedroom three bath home has a lovely view of Table Mountain from its second storey.
Nomalady Bavuma
Homestay Host
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14877456
Lady has been hosting guests in her family home since 1999. The three bedroom three bath home is often visited by extended family and returning guests. If you are a family or group of three or more there is an additional bedroom that can be made available - please be in contact to arrange! Some of Lady's grandchildren stay at the house during the week and other Langa based family often come over for dinner. You are sure to quickly feel part of the family.
Ashley Newell
Co-Founder
Ashley was was a guest in Nomalady's home when she first moved to South Africa from California in 2011. The experience of getting to know her host family and living in Langa for over a year was life changing. When she moved to Hout Bay for work she was inspired to connect with other mothers in Imizamo Yethu who were interested in opening their homes to host visitors. Together with Mhinti, Mirriam, and Kunji, Impilo Yethu was born! Ashley is currently working on her Masters in Inclusive Innovation at the UCT Graduate School of Business.
