Only Specials

South Africa's most special café run by people with disabilities

	12B Royal Street, Hermanus, South Africa
	Only Specials Café
	only_specials_cafe

A café in Hermanus run by the intellectually challenged

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. They’re guided by experienced professionals who understand their needs and provide tailored training.

The programme is in partnership with The Sluyter Foundation, a non-profit organisation that supports people with disabilities, and we offer them a two-year training programme.

Their mission is to empower intellectually challenged students. Image: Only Specials

Four out of five who’ve completed the programme now have a job…

Which is so magical to see. Ayola Bebula and Simphiwe Manana are employed at Daan’s Bakery, also in Hermanus, as a shop assistant and assistant baker. Refilwe Matlose is now a barista at Dutchies Restaurant.

Only Special has a cute interior, dotted with hanging plants and...

French white doors that open to a quiet courtyard. It’s a peaceful spot to grab a bite with friends or linger with a cup of coffee and your book.

One of our most popular dishes is the slow-cooked pulled beef sandwiches…

It comes with caramelised onions, cheese, and homemade BBQ sauce on ciabatta.

There are also plenty of gluten-free, keto, and vegetarian options. Our must-try desserts are the tiramisu and chocolate brownies.

Our students say it’s changed their lives…

Before starting training at Only Specials, Mihlali Nomfejela felt nervous. Now, he’s confident taking orders, serving customers, and chatting with people.

Sibulele Nkukwana joined after hearing about Only Specials from his friend Refilwe, a former student. He now prepares dishes with the head chef and loves teamwork.

There’s a calm garden which is lovely to sit in and have a coffee. Image: Only Specials

We have our own herb and veggie garden…

That the trainees carefully tend to. It’s used as garnish and ingredients in our meals.

Only Specials is open Monday to Friday. Image: Only Specials

The café is for training, so naturally…

There’ll be mistakes every once in a while. Please be patient and understanding as our staff develop their skills – it is part of our charm.

You can help by…

Visiting Only Specials. Your visit might seem like a small gesture, but it has a profound impact on a student's life.

You can also support us by sponsoring a trainee or contributing to The Sluyter Foundation.

You can get in touch with us via sluyterfoundation@gmail.com.

VISIT ONLY SPECIALS CAFÉ

Only Specials Café is open: Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm
Find them: 16 Dirkie Uys Street, Hermanus
Book: Via 071 520 2044
Contact on: @only_specials_cafe

By Saarah Gierdien

---