Rock Girl is partnering with artists and designers to create public benches that will serve as symbolic safe spaces.
Registration is from 17h30 and the cycle starts at the hotel at 18h30. There is no need to book unless a hired bike is required. The ride is open to the public and accommodates cyclists of all ages and capabilities. The cost is R50 and includes the cycle ride, iced tea, snacks at The Grand Daddy and entertainment from Nomadic Orchestra. Derek van Dam, well-known TV presenter, is the master of ceremonies.
An auction of Paul du Toit's artwork, a two-night stay at Grand Daddy Hotel & Old Mac Daddy as well as other valuable items will follow at 7.30pm.
On 4 August 2011, Mayor Patricia de Lille and Dr. Laurine Platzky from the Premier's office unveiled the first ten benches at Freeworld Design Centre. The Safe Spaces campaign is part of the 2014 World Design Capital bid and is supported by Cape Town Partnership, a non-profit collaboration between the public and private sectors to develop promote and manage Cape Town, to identify funds and bench locations.
The first bench was showcased at the Design Indaba in February 2011 to much acclaim and in February 2012, ten benches were showcased at the Indaba. The first bench is now permanently located at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) and its sister bench is in Khayelitsha. There are now 30 Safe Space benches around Cape Town. Locations include Guglethu, Table Mountain, Cape Town IRT Station, the Fan Walk, Artscape, Manenberg, and Khayelitsha Football for Hope Centre.
The Safe Spaces campaign was inspired by a group of Grade 7 girls from Manenberg. With support from local artists and parents, as well as in kind donations from Freeworld Design Centre and Cecile and Boyd, the learners painted murals, installed their own Safe Spaces bench, renovated their toilets, and built an art room, beginning a transformation of their entire school. They have discovered that young women can be leaders in their own communities and can inspire others around the country.
