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A café in Hermanus run by the intellectually challenged
South Africa’s most special café where 5 of 5 who’ve completed the programme now have a job
Last updated: 03 March 2025
Only Specials in Hermanus is the café where intellectually challenged young people learn hospitality skills, teamwork and grow the confidence to chat with customers and jot down orders.
We asked owner Joke Gonggrijp to share the inspiring story of the impact of this café.
Only Specials opened in 2023. Image: Only Specials
I was inspired by the initiatives in my homeland, the Netherlands, to start Only Specials…
We’ve all felt unseen, and this is especially true for disabled people. Only Specials is important in bringing inclusivity. It challenges stereotypes and shows that people with special needs can thrive and contribute to the workforce.
We enroll them in a two-year training programme…
That builds skills in customer service, teamwork, and confidence.
