Iewers Nice, a small local Coffee Shop in Bloemfontein, prides itself as a social safe zone for everyone from all walks of life. Why is this important? Well, Bloemfontein is the Capitol city of the Free State province of South Africa with a very large Rural Community which prides itself in its religious and social conservatism. But, Bloemfontein is also has a very active University with students from all Nine South African provinces and international countries, calling it their home. The rich student life thrives on the individuality of a student and the ability for them to express themselves in any way possible. Bloemfontein is also home to one of the largest theaters in South Africa, the Sand du Plessis Theatre and the Home of the Provincial Arts Council of the Free State. With the clash of conservatism and libertarian-ism, there is bound to be clashes between the populous. But there is none. It is thanks to places within the City that is specially made for people who don’t fit in to a conservative or religious space. Iewers Nice is one of those places, although small and sort of hidden in the back streets of the City, it advertises itself as a social safe zone, especially to those from the LGBTQ+ community. This place is special to me because of the philanthropic values of the owner. Many whom have worked for him have come from poor or abusive backgrounds and the owner employs them to help them better themselves. Although some have left and gone back to their roots, others have thrived. I come from a small town over 660km away and it was a big step for me. If it wasn’t for Iewers Nice, a small safe space for me to escape to, and for the owner who takes care of those around him. I might never have been more at home. It feels like a small town, big city space where your worries can be washed away by the delicious food and coffee. The surroundings of paintings and decor all over the walls is perfect for an artist such as myself. I come from a family of artists, and this is why it is my safe space and the safe space of many others. I know that each person who calls Iewers Nice their safe space, does so for any reason. All different reasons. So, this place doesn’t even have to advertise itself as that, but I’m happy that they do. Someone who needs it might just catch it. Thank you to Andries, Johan and JW. You have created a home.
Iewers Nice, a small local Coffee Shop in Bloemfontein, prides itself as a social safe zone for everyone from all walks of life. Why is this important? Well, Bloemfontein is the Capitol city of the Free State province of South Africa with a very large Rural Community which prides itself in its religious and social conservatism. But, Bloemfontein is also has a very active University with students from all Nine South African provinces and international countries, calling it their home. The rich student life thrives on the individuality of a student and the ability for them to express themselves in any way possible. Bloemfontein is also home to one of the largest theaters in South Africa, the Sand du Plessis Theatre and the Home of the Provincial Arts Council of the Free State. With the clash of conservatism and libertarian-ism, there is bound to be clashes between the populous. But there is none. It is thanks to places within the City that is specially made for people who don’t fit in to a conservative or religious space. Iewers Nice is one of those places, although small and sort of hidden in the back streets of the City, it advertises itself as a social safe zone, especially to those from the LGBTQ+ community. This place is special to me because of the philanthropic values of the owner. Many whom have worked for him have come from poor or abusive backgrounds and the owner employs them to help them better themselves. Although some have left and gone back to their roots, others have thrived. I come from a small town over 660km away and it was a big step for me. If it wasn’t for Iewers Nice, a small safe space for me to escape to, and for the owner who takes care of those around him. I might never have been more at home. It feels like a small town, big city space where your worries can be washed away by the delicious food and coffee. The surroundings of paintings and decor all over the walls is perfect for an artist such as myself. I come from a family of artists, and this is why it is my safe space and the safe space of many others. I know that each person who calls Iewers Nice their safe space, does so for any reason. All different reasons. So, this place doesn’t even have to advertise itself as that, but I’m happy that they do. Someone who needs it might just catch it. Thank you to Andries, Johan and JW. You have created a home.
Hi @luhard_christiaan ,
Just to let you know that I’ve moved your posts out of the spam and merged them together, as they are the same. Some posts are being automatically marked as spam, apologies for that. You can visit this article to learn more - Why was my Connect post marked as spam?
Thank you!
You’re welcome @luhard_christiaan . Just as a reminder, don’t forget when responding to others make sure to tag them (by writing @ before their names) in a post so they can receive notifications that you are communicating with them.