Samthini uSunday is a thriving community initiative in Cape Town that brings people together, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging.
The initiative is ran by a team of three, Mpendulo Mbatha, Asithandile Thandani and Bantu Makalima. In conversation with BONA Mpendulo shared that the end goal is to create a big community of artists, DJs, and creatives, having a hub where they can rub shoulders together.
The concept of Samthini uSunday is centered around creating a space where people can come together, share experiences, and build relationships. Asithandile explained that the theme of each event is curated around a specific idea, such as women empowerment, and is designed to create a premium exclusive experience for all attendees. “We try to create a very premium exclusive experience for all people,” he said.
Several factors contribute to the success of Samthini uSunday, Bantu highlighted the welcoming environment, saying, “We try to give them a sense of belonging and they’re not being set apart just because they’re alone.” The initiative’s inclusive nature is reflected in its slogan, “We’re all friends,” which emphasises the importance of treating everyone as equals.
Samthini uSunday has established partnerships with various brands and organisations to amplify its impact. Asithandile mentioned that they have been supported by Schweppes, for about five years. “We’ve been with them for about what, five years now they deserve a shoutout,” he said. They also have partnerships with Johnny Walker and Don Julio, and are looking to collaborate with other brands, including beer and cider brands.
The initiative prioritises working with young creatives and entrepreneurs, providing opportunities for them to showcase their talents. Mpendulo explained that they work with emerging photographers, DJs, and designers, giving them a platform to build their portfolios and gain experience.
“We’ve used people who are maybe starting out in the hub business, we’ve used guys who in terms of photography, they also sort of emerging and figuring it out,” he said.
They have had a profound impact on its attendees and the wider community. Many have reported forming lasting connections with others, expanding their social circles, and finding like-minded individuals.
The team shared a memorable experience from a certain event with Mpendulo looking back at their first event, where a stranger walked in off the street and ended up staying until closing time, having the time of his life.
“He ended up paying us because he said guys, I just came here to listen to some good music, have a beer, and then leave,” he recalled.
For Bantu it was from an event held on a rooftop, where everyone was dancing together doing a famous African dance at the closing moments. “It felt very homely for me, having to come back from the Eastern Cape and having had those dances at home in December with your family,” he said.
Asithandile also shared a memorable experience where two patrons from London stumbled upon one of their events and had an amazing time. “This is the most African event that they had attended in the entire stay in Cape Town,” he said. This moment stood out for him, as it showed that they were doing something right and staying true to their African roots.
As Samthini uSunday continues to grow, its founders have ambitious plans for the future. These include expanding the community, introducing new initiatives, and collaborating with other organisations and businesses. Asithandile shared with us that they have a few surprises planned for the summer, saying, “Our summer is going to be definitely one for the books.”
For those looking to create similar initiatives, Mpendulo gave some advice, “Be consistent, whatever consistency looks like to you… stick to your idea, be intentional, be pure about it, and don’t deliver something that you wouldn’t want to go to.” By following these principles, others can build their own thriving communities and create meaningful connections with others.
Samthini uSunday is a shining example of community building in action. Through its inclusive environment, diverse activities, and partnerships with local businesses, this initiative has created a space where people can come together and thrive. As it continues to grow and evolve, Samthini uSunday is poised to make an even greater impact on the lives of its attendees and the wider community.
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