BERTHA SPACES

Spaces intentionally designed
to reinforce spatial justice.

The Bertha Spaces program is dedicated to growing public spaces intentionally designed to advance spatial justice and reinforce a people-centered society.

Public space is where we gather to learn our politics, fight unjust systems and grow our power. At Bertha Spaces we practice Radical Hospitality in all we do to create spaces where all those who come can feel seen, heard and welcome. Bertha Spaces are places where access is an intentional practice, reciprocity is a way of working and community is at the heart of everything we do, because this is how we convene to dismantle systems built on politics, profit and power.

Our Flagship Spaces

We have two flagship spaces, Bertha Retreat and Bertha House. Our spaces are here to advance and reinforce a people-centered society. Having a space to come together gives us power, our spaces are places where people can gather and connect to do this work, hone their political understanding and dismantle unjust systems.

Bertha Retreat

A rural retreat and convening space designed, from plan to finished product, for collaboration, community and revolution.

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We fundamentally believe that the combined power of time and space to forge meaningful and lasting bonds between people, projects and places is a recipe for revolution.

Bertha Retreat is 45 minutes outside of Cape Town on Boschendal wine farm. At the Retreat Bertha Foundation grantees, NGOs, partner organizations, the surrounding communities and other users can meet to connect, work, strategize and reflect.

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Community

At Bertha Retreat, community shapes our spaces and programs. In an area marked by inequality, we intentionally open our doors to support young people and expand access. Our guest experiences are designed to connect visitors with the communities we serve in ways that are respectful and non-extractive.

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Collaboration

Collaboration is at the heart of Bertha Retreat. We provide groups with dedicated time and spaces to connect, exchange ideas and work together, encouraging partnerships that strengthen their impact. In a context where grassroots organizations and communities often lack safe and accessible spaces to gather, collaborate and organize, our retreat offers an environment intentionally designed to nurture these connections.

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Magic

Bertha Retreat is designed to bring people together and this is where the magic happens. Every aspect of the space is intentionally built and curated to support movements and ideas that drive change. By providing a setting where people can come together, reflect and plan, the retreat becomes more than a place, it becomes a space for imagining and growing the magic of coming together.

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Financial Sustainability

Financial sustainability is key to Bertha Retreat’s mission. By welcoming enough paying guests, we create a model that allows us to host groups who could not otherwise afford our space. This approach intentionally expands access and supports grassroots organizations, turning our financial model into a tool for creating opportunities and strengthening communities.

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Book your stay at Bertha Retreat!

Bertha House

Cape Town’s go-to gathering place for civil society, locals and creatives to learn their politics, fight unjust systems and grow their power.

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Bertha House is a multi-purpose hub, centrally located in Cape Town, for individuals and collectives working to make a difference in their communities. At Bertha House where access is an intentional practice, reciprocity is a way of working and community is at the heart of everything we do.

You can find event and meeting spaces, offices and deskspace, a media lab, a cinema, the Activist cafe, catering, food and much more!

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Catching Politics

Bertha House is where we gather to learn, share and grow our politics. Connection is central to how the space operates, allowing people to exchange ideas, expand their understanding, reflect on their own political perspectives and cultivate the work of collective change.

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Reciprocity

Reciprocity is central to life at Bertha House. It's a space for sharing skills, mentoring peers and contributing to the wider community - a role that is just as much for Bertha Spaces guests and tenants as it is ours. This culture of mutual exchange ensures that learning and collaboration are at the heart of the house.

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Access

Bertha House’s central location makes it easy to access, and our Community Reserve program brings people from the Cape Flats through our doors. By combining place and purpose, we create a space where connection, collaboration and participation can flourish across communities. Bertha House is intentionally designed to reduce barriers to access, offering opportunities for grassroots organizations, activists and local groups to gather, learn and exchange ideas.

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Community

Community at Bertha House means welcoming people from all walks of life with radical hospitality. The space is open to everyone from residents of nearby occupations to children from local low-income high schools creating a rich mix of voices and experiences. This diversity encourages connection, shared learning and mutual support, allowing everyone to contribute to the life of the space.

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Our Member Spaces

To grow our global network, we have partnered with spaces who share a commitment to the advancement of social justice and human rights for all, radical hospitality and inclusivity, environmentally sustainable practices and fair labor practices.

Postane

Postane, Istanbul, Turkey

An Urban Hub for Social Change in the Heart of Istanbul

Postane is a social enterprise dedicated to fostering social innovation and collaboration for the well-being of people and the planet. Located in a former British Post Office building constructed in 1859, Postane was repurposed in 2021 as a multi-functional urban hub. It supports individuals and organizations committed to social impact and ecological regeneration. As a space of hope, Postane strives to embody the change we wish to see in the world, through welcoming and inspiring spaces, holistic social impact services, inclusive programs, and an ethical, sustainable operational model.

Find out more about Postane here.

Philippi Village

Philippi Village, Philippi, South Africa

Philippi Village is a vibrant community and entrepreneurial hub.

They co-create and connect local communities to services and opportunities ranging from education and skills development to legal advice and social services to sports, art and culture activities. Philippi Village is a business catalyst, providing space for small to medium sized entrepreneurs, businesses, governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Find out more about Philippi Village here.