We are Capetonian Series #1: Patrick Nzinga

We are CapeTonian is a collaboration between Cape Town Partnership and the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town that celebrates migrants’ contributions to the economic and cultural vibrancy of Cape Town. By creating a space to hear a different story each month, we hope this series will enhance and challenge common perceptions of migration.

Patrick Nzinga, 21, came to South Africa at the age of two when his family fled the Angolan civil war. He grew up in a children’s home in Cape Town, and is now a resident chef-in-training, based in the labyrinth of kitchens at the sumptuous Mount Nelson Hotel. Patrick shares his story and explains his strong passion for social change in the Mother City.

Where were you born?

I was born in Luanda, Angola. There are many different cultural groups there. I am of the Ambundu group.

Where do you live now?

Currently I am staying on Kloof Street. I used to stay in SOS children’s village, a children’s home. I moved here to complete my tertiary education and stay at accommodation provided by the Mount Nelson Hotel as part of my internship here. I stay on the premises.

How did you come to be in Cape Town?

From Luanda to Cape Town was a heavy mission. All I remember was being on my uncle’s back, at the age of two. I remember fences and police men in uniform, and police trucks and batons. We were on a journey in a forest at some point. We were escaping from some sort of civil war.

What made you decide on Cape Town?

I did not choose to come here. I was only two years old. It was my family’s choice to settle here. But I think they chose Cape Town because people have more of a sympathetic feel than bigger cities like Johannesburg.

Where do your family live?

I ended up in a children’s home because there were issues at home. I was placed in a children’s home by a social worker after running away from home. It was only much later that I found out about brothers and other family members. I was always a curious child and I made the most of my time in the children’s home – and it was here that I got accustomed to life in South Africa. I was never a problem child! I was often by myself and just asking why these things happened to me.

What do you like the most about Cape Town?

My favourite thing about Cape Town is the diversity. The city has a rich culture and history because of Nelson Mandela, where we came from in the past, the Apartheid regime, the Europeans coming down and taking over… it is a mix.

What do you dislike the most about Cape Town?

The worst thing about Cape Town is having to look around and seeing underprivileged people. They are shouting and calling out for help but we turn a blind eye. Even in the rural areas where people are pleading for change and resources and asking to change the community, but we are ignoring their requests. That is what I dislike the most. The poor stay poor and the rich get richer.

Do you feel Capetonian?

I feel Capetonian, 100%. I feel it in the way I dress – the men have a particular dress code here, which I think is inspired by hip-hop culture but we made it our own – I feel it in my slang and lingo also. People often think I am originally from here.

The saddest part is that some people ask me where I am from. When I say, “Angola”, they say, “oh, do you speak Portuguese?” And I have to say no because I left Angola so long ago. It is confusing for them and sad for me.

If you could sum up Cape Town in one word, what would it be?

Lekker.