Our Story

Respek en Eiers is proud to contribute to local art and café culture in a city that has a great need for creative hubs. Respek Coffee Shop is situated at the foot of the Magaliesberg adjoining Respek Art Gallery where you can view the original work of local artists.

Respek opened its doors in 2015. The owner, Christo, frequently travelled past an enchanted old mill in the eastern Free State and dreamed of opening a vibrant coffee shop in the building. He wanted to open a coffee shop that represents something of the local culture and celebrates South African culture as a whole.

Christo did open his coffee shop, not in the old mill, but in South Africa’s purple city, Pretoria. Customers can now enjoy local, South African art and coffee in the shade of a giant Jacaranda tree. In spring, the tree decorates the building and the street with its purple flowers – a true Pretoria experience.

 

Logo and Name

 

The original Respek logo was also influenced by Christo’s travels in the Free State. The logo is inspired by San rock art, the San peoples were the first inhabitants of Southern Africa. Some of their paintings and carvings can be found in the eastern Free State.

Respek en Eiers is an Afrikaans name. Respek translates to respect and we celebrate and respect different cultures in our coffee shop and gallery. Respek also refers to bacon, as the word bacon translates to spek in Afrikaans. Respek en Eiers (Bacon and Eggs) truly is the perfect place to grab a hearty breakfast! (Served on Saturday mornings)

 

Staff

The owner of Respek, Christo Harvey, is a freelance photographer based in Pretoria - he showcases his work on Instagram @christoharveyphotography. He is an espresso explorer, avid hiker and passionate about African heritage and culture.

Nathan Van Eijden is Respek’s chef over the weekends and barista during the week.

Khotso Mosomane is our barista. He also completed a certificate in computer science.

Sihle Mahlalele is one of our lovely waitresses and is a great allrounder helping out at the shop. She has completed a dressmaking course.

Simphiwe Mtsheweni serves as a waitress and manages our sales. She is currently studying business management.

The goal is to grow this small business so that we would be able to enroll Respek's staff into formal coffee-related courses, thus improving the service that we offer and creating career possibilities for our staff.

Proactiveness and friendliness are core values among our staff and we foster a team-spirit.

At Respek we want to empower our employees and be a springboard for them into a bright future.