A Memory worth Telling
CCN Editor – George C. April
In March 2015, I received an unexpected invitation that would leave a lasting mark on my life, and on the lives of several young people from Hopefield.
Memories forever.!
At the time, I was the founder of Cape Coast Youth and running the first version of Cape Coast News, a small online news platform sharing positive stories from our communities. Out of hundreds of online reporters across South Africa, I was one of ten selected to spend a weekend as a VIP guest at the five-star Bonn Hotel in Stompneus Bay .
The visit was organised by the Bonn Hotel Group, who owned several hotels across the country. Their goal was not only to introduce their brand, but also to explore ways to train and employ young people from different communities.
Picture – The following day – outing walk to the beach with some of the v.i.p. guests
A Weekend That Changed Everything
From the moment I arrived, I was treated with kindness, respect, and genuine hospitality. The management and staff went out of their way to make everyone feel at home. We toured the facilities, spoke to staff, enjoyed wonderful meals, and learned how the group built excellence through teamwork and passion.
During the closing session, the hotel’s management asked an important question:
“Where can we find young people to train for future positions at Bonn Hotels?”
Many of the invited guests suggested bigger coastal towns, Saldanha, Vredenburg, Langebaan, and Velddrif. But then one of the managers stood up and said:
“Let’s give Hopefield a chance. Mr April is working with youth in his community – let’s start there.”
That single decision opened doors for several Hopefield youth who were later selected for training and employment through the Bonn Hotel Group.
Bonn hotel stuff takes a guest order
Not long after the visit, I began hearing stories that filled me with pride. One of the young women who took part later became a manager at Checkers, while others found work in hospitality and retail. Their lives changed because someone believed in giving them a fair chance.
Last year, when I shared my memories of that visit on Facebook, several of those same individuals commented publicly, thanking the Bonn Hotel Group again for the opportunity that helped shape their futures.
Picture: Bonn hotel owners – management and the V.I.P. guests on the beach
Gratitude That Lasts a Lifetime
The Bonn Hotel in St Helena Bay no longer stands, it was sadly destroyed by fire years later, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of those it touched. What the Bonn Group did for Hopefield proves that one act of faith in a small-town community can transform lives forever.
Today, we honour that memory by sharing our stories. To those who once trained or worked through this opportunity – we would love to hear from you!
Tell us how that experience changed your path.
A picture tells it all.🌹
💬 Share your story via the “Contact Us” page on Cape Coast News.
And to our readers, take a moment to visit the Bonn Hotel Group’s official website, to see the hotels and people who once opened doors for our youth. They continue to grow and shine across South Africa, and their story is one worth celebrating.
Sometimes, all it takes is one invitation – and one small town – to make a difference that never fades.
