Heritage on the Table: Taj Cape Town and the Cape Times celebrate legacy

This Heritage Month, the Taj Cape Town, in partnership with the Cape Times hosted an intimate luncheon that brought together a diverse gathering of readers and subscribers.

Originating from as far as Ireland and the United Kingdom to Cape Town’s own District Six, guests from different industries, such as real estate, sales, and media, reflected on their personal experiences of what papers such as the Cape Times and the Cape Argus mean to them. 

Among the attendees were long-standing subscribers, many retired, who shared stories of how the Cape Times and the Cape Argus became daily staples in their households. For decades, families passed down the tradition of paging through the paper, checking the Monday job listings, sharing crossword puzzles, and debating the headlines.

It was more than a newspaper; it was a thread that stitched neighbours and communities together.

As the conversation shifted to today’s digital age, many reflected on the transition from print to online, highlighting how convenience has expanded access across the country. Yet some lamented the absence of those simple, reflective moments, such as sitting softly with a puzzle in hand.

Addressing readers, Cape Times Editor Siyavuya Mzantsi shared that the future of the paper lies in bridging the gap between print and digital. He emphasised the importance of creating subscription models that allow readers to enjoy both formats without straining their pockets.

He also reminded guests of a lesson he carries in his own work.

“There’s power in developing a story from as little as four words.”

Ultimately, he noted, the survival of the paper depends on telling people’s stories and keeping them alive for generations to come.

The culinary experience at the Taj complemented the spirit of the occasion.

Guests enjoyed a carefully curated heritage menu that included traditional potato salad, spiced chakalaka, taluda chicken, fragrant Asian slaw, kingklip with a delicate sauce, a rich mussel pot, and a colourful spread of fresh, wholesome salads.

Guest, Rehana Rutti, said the fusion of Indian and South African flavours was a beautiful metaphor for the country's diverse cultural landscape coming together.

"It showed me that our differences are what make us strong and that by embracing our unique backgrounds, we can create something truly special," she said.

True to its commitment, the Taj ensured that the menu remained strictly halaal-friendly, welcoming all diners to the table.

The luncheon was a reminder that heritage lives not only in the stories we tell but also in the food we share, the traditions we honour, and the ways we adapt to change while holding on to what truly matters.

Cape Times