Transforming a long-vacant corner into a new chapter for Cape Town’s West City.

Cape Town, 23 October 2025 | Cape Town property developer, Blok is going back to the city, unveiling its 21^st development, ELEVENONB, expanding its passion for urban living into Cape Town’s West City.

Located on the corner of Buiten and Loop Street, the site has stood vacant for years, a gap in the urban fabric of the West City that now becomes an anchor for renewal. The commercial and residential use development reimagines this blank canvas as a place for connection. 

“Every Blok development is a reflection of its neighbourhood,” says Jacques van Embden, CEO of Blok. “With ELEVENONB, we wanted to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing evolution of the city centre, not by building something that closes itself off, but by creating a building that opens itself to the streets, the people, and the energy of the city.”

ELEVENONB represents Blok’s first development in the West City, an area spanning approximately 286 000m² (about 7.4% of Cape Town’s Central Business District) and is surrounded by some of the city’s most recognisable neighbourhoods: Bo-Kaap to the northwest, Tamboerskloof and Gardens to the south and southeast, and the City Bowl to the east.

Designed around the principles of a 15-minute city, ELEVENONB encourages residents to live, work, and play. Within walking distance is Kloof, Bree, and Long Streets, streets known for their restaurants, art galleries, and independent stores. Not forgetting the ever-growing offerings on Loop Street. The development restores and integrates a historic façade and the heritage-rich Orphan Lane, stitching old and new together through architecture that invites public engagement.

ELEVENONB comprises 150 apartments, with prices starting at R1 795 000:

• 26 Compact Studios
• 44 Studios
• 34 One-bedroom Apartments
• 31 Two-bedroom Apartments
• 1 Three-bedroom Apartment
• 4 Penthouses

Ground floor spaces are dedicated to shops, co-working, and community interaction, with amenities including a privately-operated gym, laundry facilities, 24/7 security, a concierge and building manager (provided by Fluent), as well as back-up power for shared areas.

While ELEVENONB officially launches on 23 October, interested buyers will have the opportunity to view all apartments online and create a shortlist of their favourites on Thursday 6 November 2025, ahead of sales going live on Tuesday 11 November 2025.

“This part of the city has been waiting for a new story to be written,” adds Troy Squires, Head of Marketing at Blok. “ELEVENONB represents our vision to make cities amazing places to live, and to think bigger than our buildings. We consider the precinct, the neighbourhood and the city. It’s about how we live, how we share spaces, and how we shape the future of urban living.”

ELEVENONB is open to opportunities. Open to the people. Open to you. Open to the city.

With ELEVENONB, Blok celebrates more than a decade of redefining urban living, one building, one neighbourhood, and one city at a time.

South Africa, Cape Town, 21 October 2025; Marking a decade of quietly redefining South African hospitality, The Living Journey Collection celebrates its tenth anniversary with the acquisition of Majeka House, a landmark boutique Winelands hotel in Stellenbosch.

Majeka House Boutique Hotel

The small luxury hotel portfolio of 8 properties, all within a 2-hour drive from Cape Town, offer an experience rooted in genuine care, considered design, and a deep connection to the local environment. Founded by international hoteliers Friedrich and Lorraine Schaefer, a couple whose combined decades of experience garnered at some of the world’s most prestigious hotels inspired them to return to the true heart of hospitality, The Living Journey Collection focuses on personalised service, attention to detail, and creating meaningful memories for every guest.

Lorraine and Friedrich met in New York in the late 1980s while working in the Big Apple – Friedrich originally at The Westbury and Lorraine at Plaza Athénée in their respective early career chapters. After years of career success, the couple decided to build a collection of properties that embody their shared belief that hospitality is at its core about connecting with people, embracing local culture, and delivering consistent excellence without losing the personal touch. Their approach emphasises strong ethics, professionalism and heartfelt service, making each hotel feel warm, inviting and authentically local. 

Zest Boutique Hotel

The Living Journey Collection employs a dedicated team of approximately 170 people, with a strong emphasis on a healthy  staff development and career growth, about one-third of the team has been promoted internally, reflecting the company’s commitment to nurturing talent. Sustainability and responsible business practices are also central to the group’s philosophy, from supporting local artists and craftspeople in each property’s design, to implementing environmentally responsible operations. This investment in people and place ensures the hotels not only offer outstanding guest experiences but also contribute positively to their communities. 

“We aim for all of our guests to experience a sense of joy, having been spoilt and well looked after; that they have shared in something special and gained extraordinary memories to share with others. Our team members are truly passionate and heartfelt; and we encourage this to be part of all that they do.  This creates memories bigger than the journey itself”, comments Friedrich Schaefer, co-owner of The Living Journey Collection.

The Tree House Boutique Hotel

The Living Journey Collection consists of eight distinctive hotels, each offering its own character and charm, yet all reflecting the group’s commitment to quality, comfort, and genuine hospitality. Guests enjoy stays that combine style and warmth, offering experiences that rival the finest accommodations, without the rigidity of traditional ratings. All properties serve excellent breakfasts and light menus throughout the day, encouraging guests to explore the many world-class dining options available in the towns and communities where they are located.

Zest Boutique Hotel and The Tree House Boutique Hotel, Green Point, Cape Town
Located in Cape Town’s vibrant Green Point, these two hotels offer design-led, intimate city stays. The 14 room Zest Boutique Hotel – and the founding property of The Living Journey Collection, provides a colourful and modern experience, perfect for travellers looking to explore the city’s attractions on foot. The Tree House Boutique Hotel, with its 14 rooms, offers a cozy, urban retreat with thoughtful touches including a unique fine art collection that make guests feel at home in the heart of the city.

One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel, Hermanus
Situated along the dramatic coastline of Hermanus, One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel offers 16 rooms and suites and is an ideal address to explore the Overberg region. With sweeping views of Walker Bay, guests can easily access cliffside paths, whale watching spots, the lively artistic town centre, and the nearby Hemel-en-Aarde wine estates. The hotel combines modern style with warm, inviting spaces where visitors can relax by the pools or sip cocktails on the deck after a day of exploration.

One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel

Chapter House Boutique Hotel and Plumwood Boutique Hotel, Franschhoek
In picturesque Franschhoek, the 17-room Chapter House Boutique Hotel occupies a beautifully restored heritage building that blends old-world charm with modern comforts. Originally built in 1888 as a Mission House and thereafter the local village school, each room is unique, reflecting the town’s rich history. Nearby, the 11 room Plumwood Boutique Hotel offers guests a tranquil setting surrounded by nature, perfect for those seeking peace and understated luxury.

Chapter House Boutique Hotel

Plumwood Boutique Hotel

The Robertson Small Hotel, Robertson
Set in the sleepy town of Robertson, The Robertson Small Hotel makes for a chic countryside escape. The small luxury hotel combines Victorian elegance matched with contemporary touches across its 11 rooms and suites, which include Manor House Rooms, Stable Suites, and Pool Suites. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s spa, two pool areas, and the acclaimed Small Restaurant, which serves seasonal dishes paired with local wines. The EM Bar adds a playful touch, decorated with custom porcelain inspired by the region’s flora.

The Robertson Small Hotel

River Manor Boutique Hotel and Majeka House Boutique Hotel, Stellenbosch
Just steps from Stellenbosch town centre, the 18-room River Manor Boutique Hotel provides tranquility and character, making it a favourite for those keen to experience the tree-lined university town and nearby nature reserves and wine estates. River Manor combines classic charm with comfortable, welcoming spaces that invite guests to unwind after an inspiring day visiting art galleries, enjoying lazy lunches and wine tasting.

River Manor Boutique Hotel

Majeka House Boutique Hotel, Stellenbosch
Acquired in September of this year, Majeka House is the largest hotel in the collection. Known for its eclectic interiors, the multi-award-winning boutique hotel and spa offers a stylish Winelands experience. Now, under new ownership, Majeka House has regained its position as an outstanding choice for visitors to the Cape seeking a hidden gem that is close to iconic wine estates including Vriesenhof and the much-admired Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden.

“We feel that each stay, each experience, each interaction forms part of a journey. We want our guests to feel part of our journey and hope that we form part of theirs”, comments Lorraine Schaefer, co-owner of The Living Journey Collection.

As custodians of The Living Journey Collection, Friedrich and Lorraine Schaefer’s shared vision has crafted an ensemble of family-owned independent hotels that each tell their own story, corralled by a golden thread of a highly motivated team who deliver consistently warm and attentive service.

Whether discovering Cape Town, the Cape Winelands or the Overberg region, guests of The Living Journey Collection can expect stays that feel special, welcoming and richly rewarding. Indeed, an authentically South African journey worth living.

The Living Journey Collection is offering an Early Bird Festive Save of 20% off your stay between 1-19 December 2025, bookable by October 31st and available throughout the eight properties – making for a great escape ahead of the holiday rush. Accommodation includes breakfast.

For more information about The Living Journey Collection, go to www.thelivingjourneycollection.co.za or follow their story via @thelivingjourneycollection.

Johannesburg, 25 September 2025 | Tourism is one of South Africa’s most powerful industries, fuelling economic growth, creating jobs, and sustaining conservation efforts that protect the country’s unique natural heritage. This Tourism Month, the spotlight falls on the crucial role attractions like the Lion & Safari Park play in showcasing South Africa’s wildlife to the world, while also making it accessible to local communities. 

Shandor Larenty, Group Wildlife and Conservation Manager at the Lion & Safari Park, reflects on why tourism matters so deeply to South Africa and how the park is helping position Johannesburg as a must-visit destination where culture, conservation, and unforgettable experiences intersect.

What does Tourism Month mean to you, and why is it significant for South Africa?

Tourism Month is a reminder of how important travel and experiences are, not only for the economy but also for cultural exchange. For South Africa, it’s a chance to highlight our diversity, whether it’s wildlife, landscapes, or communities, and to remind people that tourism here supports conservation, creates jobs, and sustains entire industries.

How do you think the perception of South Africa as a travel destination has changed in recent years?

There’s been a shift towards authentic, experience-driven travel. South Africa is no longer seen as just a safari stop; people are realising it’s a destination where wildlife, culture, food, and modern city life all come together. With more focus on safety and conservation, travellers are beginning to see South Africa as a place where they can have world-class experiences that also make a positive impact.

What role do wildlife attractions like Lion & Safari Park play in encouraging both domestic and international tourism?

They serve as an accessible gateway to wildlife and to our country’s special natural heritage. For many international visitors, it’s their first real introduction to Africa’s animals, and for locals, it’s an easy way to reconnect with nature without needing to travel far. Parks like ours make wildlife tourism possible for a broader audience, while also educating people about conservation and the realities of protecting these species. This is equally important for the domestic market. Over 60% of the 30,000 school children we bring in every year are from disadvantaged communities who would otherwise never have the means to visit our national parks or private game reserves. Through our programmes, we’re able to give them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about and experience the magical wildlife that call our country home.

How does Lion & Safari Park balance tourism with wildlife conservation?

We do it by ensuring the animals’ welfare always comes first. Every tourism activity is designed around what’s best for the wildlife, from enclosure design to feeding practices and veterinary oversight. Conservation is built into our model, by attracting visitors, we generate funds that go directly back into animal care, habitat maintenance, and broader conservation projects.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions tourists have about wildlife tourism in South Africa?

One of the main ones is that animals are always easy to spot or predictable, when in reality, wildlife operates on its own terms. Another misconception is that conservation ends with seeing the animals; in truth, it’s about the unseen work: nutrition management, veterinary care, anti-poaching measures, and habitat protection, that sustains wildlife long-term.

Johannesburg isn’t always the first city tourists think of when it comes to wildlife experiences. How does the Lion & Safari Park change that?

We break that perception by offering a genuine safari experience only minutes from the city. It means tourists don’t need to travel to remote areas to connect with wildlife. Johannesburg becomes not just a business and cultural hub, but also a place where people can start their wildlife journey straight away.

What makes the park a must-visit for tourists, both local and international?

It’s the combination of accessibility, authenticity, and diversity. You can see lions, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and more within a single visit. It’s family-friendly, educational, and immersive, while still being close to the city. For international visitors, it’s a convenient introduction; for locals, it’s a reminder of the natural heritage on their doorstep.. And our incredible animal family that call the park home really do make the experience. 

What’s the funniest or most surprising question a tourist has ever asked you at the park?

I’ve had so many over the years while working as a field guide. One that still makes me laugh was a guest asking if the lions get switched on at night (no sir, they’re nocturnal and sleep 16-20 hours a day). Others include people genuinely wondering where giraffes lay their eggs, or if wild dogs regurgitate their babies when they’re born. It’s always entertaining to see how visitors try to make sense of the natural world, and it reminds me why education is such an important part of what we do.

What’s one “only in South Africa” experience that always makes you smile when you see tourists encounter it?

Seeing international visitors taste biltong for the first time is always a highlight. There’s a mix of surprise and curiosity, and it often becomes something they take home as a memory of South Africa.

How can South Africans themselves play a bigger role in supporting tourism this Tourism Month and beyond?

By becoming active tourists in their own country. Visiting local attractions, supporting restaurants, booking guided tours, and sharing their experiences online all contribute to the growth of tourism. It’s also about encouraging friends and family abroad to come visit. Every local visitor helps sustain jobs and conservation efforts, making tourism stronger for everyone.

As Shandor Larenty reminds us, tourism is not just about bringing visitors through the gates, it’s about creating opportunities, inspiring conservation, and building pride in what South Africa has to offer. By supporting attractions like the Lion & Safari Park, South Africans and international travellers alike contribute to a thriving tourism industry that sustains communities, safeguards wildlife, and celebrates the country’s unique identity. This Tourism Month and beyond, the call is clear: investing in tourism is investing in South Africa’s future.