Entreprenuers shared their successful stories and thanked Forest Whitaker for his work.
From a uniform business in Bishop Lavis to a corporate services company in Mitchells Plain, Cape Flats entrepreneurs shared how training and support helped them build their businesses when Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker visited a community centre in Bridgetown.
The 65-year-old star of Black Panther, who won the Best Actor Oscar in 2007, met graduates of the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI) at its centre on Monday afternoon, November 2, 2026.
Whitaker, who founded the organisation, was welcomed by traditional dancers and community members before meeting beneficiaries from Athlone, Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain.
The entrepreneurs described how WPDI’s programmes had helped them develop skills, build confidence and pursue business opportunities. Whitaker listened to their experiences and applauded their achievements.
For the graduates, the visit offered an opportunity to meet the founder of an organisation they credit with supporting their personal and professional development.
Beanca Campher, from Bishop Lavis Uniforms, told Whitaker how the programme helped her turn an idea into a business.
She described starting with limited resources and said WPDI’s training and support gave her the skills and confidence to become an entrepreneur.
Natalie Tempers, owner of Mitchells Plain-based NT Corporate Solutions, also shared her story. The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted her livelihood and left her unemployed.
After learning about WPDI, she joined the programme and completed its training. She has since established her own corporate business.
Other graduates, including Mika Thompson of Mika’s Mobile Massage, Dr Alicia English and Mark Mawele, also shared their experiences and achievements.
Their stories highlighted how entrepreneurship training and other skills can help participants create opportunities, support their families and contribute to their communities.
WPDI programmes focus on skills and community development
Residents gathered outside the centre, hoping for an opportunity to see Whitaker and thank him for his humanitarian work.
WPDI South Africa country manager Chance Chakunga said the visit brought together the organisation’s founder, management team, funders and beneficiaries.
Chakunga said Whitaker was visiting to see the work he had started in 2019 and the programmes being run in South Africa.
These include peacebuilding and conflict resolution, business and entrepreneurship, information and communications technology, and peace through sport.
“Those are the programmes he supports, together with the management team. We also have members of management who have travelled from our head offices in France and the United States to support the work,” he said.
Chakunga added that representatives of organisations providing financial support were also attending the visit.
WPDI was founded by Whitaker in 2012, while its Cape Flats programmes began in 2019.
The organisation works with young people to develop leadership, peacebuilding and community-building skills. Its South African programmes also include entrepreneurship and conflict-resolution training.