Forest Whitaker Greets Programme Graduates at Bridgetown Centre
Forest Whitaker met with young people and local entrepreneurs from around the Cape in Athlone on Monday afternoon, 2 November 2026. The 2007 Best Actor Oscar winner arrived at the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI) Centre in Bridgetown to address programme graduates. Traditional dancers and community members welcomed the organisation’s founder upon his arrival. Accompanied by an entourage and using a walking stick, the 65-year-old actor greeted the crowd before moving inside to meet beneficiaries.
Athlone, Khayelitsha, and Mitchells Plain Beneficiaries Describe Training Support
Participants from Athlone, Khayelitsha, and Mitchells Plain spoke about how WPDI’s training helped them build confidence and pursue business opportunities. Whitaker listened as graduates described their experiences and applauded their achievements. For those gathered, the visit offered a chance to meet the founder of an organisation they credit with their professional development. Speaking directly to Whitaker, Beanca Campher representing Bishop Lavis Uniforms explained how the initiative enabled her to launch a company despite having minimal assets. Natalie Tempers, owner of Mitchells Plain-based NT Corporate Solutions, shared how she established her corporate business after the COVID-19 pandemic left her unemployed. Mika Thompson from Mika’s Mobile Massage, Dr Alicia English, and Mark Mawele were among the other graduates who recounted their journeys to the actor.
Chance Chakunga Outlines WPDI Programmes and International Management Presence
Residents gathered outside the centre to see Whitaker and thank him for his humanitarian work. According to WPDI South Africa country manager Chance Chakunga, the event united the organisation’s leadership, financial backers, beneficiaries, and founder in one space. The reason he is here today is to see the work that Forest Whitaker started in 2019 and visit the various programmes we are running,
Chakunga stated. These initiatives include peacebuilding and conflict resolution, business and entrepreneurship, information and communications technology, and peace through sport. Chakunga noted that management members travelled from head offices in France and the United States alongside financial support representatives to attend the visit.
Questions About the WPDI Centre Visit
When did Forest Whitaker found the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative?
Forest Whitaker founded WPDI in 2012, while the organisation’s Cape Flats programmes began operating in 2019.
What specific businesses did participants start through the programme?
Beneficiaries established enterprises including Bishop Lavis Uniforms, NT Corporate Solutions, and Mika’s Mobile Massage.
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