The story of Wendy and Wade, co-founders of Brownie & Downies, received the happy news that Wendy’s 5-year ban from SA has been lifted.
Cape Town, South Africa – The Brownies & Downies cafe on the corner of Long Street and Prestwich Street has been a pillar of support within the Down Syndrome and mental disability communities of Cape Town.
The cafe has been training teens and young adults with Down Syndrome and other disabilities in hospitality skills to broaden their future employment prospects. The cafe staff are trained in front of house, administration and kitchen skills, offering them a range of opportunities in the field.
Patrons of the cafe are always blown away by the quality of food and drinks and well as the level of service provided. A few days ago the cafe shared a sad update about the possible future of their business. It wasn’t looking good.
The cafe is owned and run by Wade and Wendy. Wendy is a Dutch national but has been happily living in South Africa. For the last two years, she has been working with home affairs to correct an error made on her paperwork. The error was made by the home office and has caused Wendy stress in having to try and fix it.
During the process, the slip-up led to Wendy being banned from returning to South Africa for 5-years. She had to leave her entire life behind because of a mistake made by officials. She left her job behind, running the training programme for Brownies and Downies, as well as her husband, Wade.
“Essentially, Brownies & Downies runs a training programme where young people with special needs are taught culinary skills so that they are empowered, can have a sense of purpose, and can contribute meaningfully to society”, she says.
“I have battled in an appeals process spanning close on two years to sort out my paperwork with the Department of Home Affairs, but seem to hit one snag after the other. Apart from wishing to be reunited with my husband, Brownies & Downies needs me back in South Africa to continue the work that we have started”, said Wendy.
The cafe shared Wendy’s story on their Facebook page, asking anyone with know-how and experience to please help them in correcting the error and fighting the ban. Thousands of people spoke out in favour of Wendy being allowed to return to South Africa.
CapeTalk’s Kieno Kammies spoke to Wendy Vermeulen and Wade Schultz on his radio show to discuss the ban. It was during this chat that Kieno broke the news that Wendy was un-banned from re-entering South Africa for five years. This is excellent news for the couple and all those who rely on the cafe for support.
They now have the opportunity to continue their work in empowering young adults with Down Syndrome and other mental disabilities.
The CapeTalk Breakfast team called the Department of Home Affairs to discuss the 5-year ban, and as a result of their call, the ban was waved. Without the team’s involvement, Wendy might have had a much longer, harder fight on her hands. The breakfast team are heroes.
“I have a response from Ronney Marhule and it says: ‘The request for the waving of the undesirable status has been considered and was successful. The department has therefore decided to remove the restrictions placed upon your name with immediate effect” — Kieno Kammies, Host – CapeTalk
The cafe was so thankful for the team’s involvement.
“We received the wonderful news from the Department of Home Affairs this morning that Wendy’s ban has been lifted, and that she will be able to re-enter South Africa. We are elated about the outcome and look forward to welcoming her home soon. Our heartfelt thanks to Cape Talk Radio, and all the other media who carried our story; De Saude Attorneys; and the greater South African public who supported us on social media, who came into the restaurant or called us to support us.
An especial big thank you to our team at Brownies and DownieS; thank you for your continued hard work and commitment, and for your faith that Wendy would be reunited with us soon.”
You can listen to the emotional phone call below:
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