About Us
Welcome to Smithland Guest Apartments, where hospitality meets home comfort in the heart of Cape Town. Founded by Mrs. Nerina Smith in 1992, Smithland began with a single self-catering room in her home in Plattekloof. Recognizing the growing demand for flexible and comfortable accommodations, Nerina expanded the business, transforming additional rooms into inviting self-catering apartments.
Over the years, Smithland evolved under Nerina's keen management, eventually branching out to manage properties on behalf of other owners. In 2004, Nerina's daughter, Arlene Brink, joined the family business, bringing fresh energy and a commitment to providing memorable stays for guests.
In May 2024, Arlene and her husband, Anton Brink, assumed leadership of Smithland, ushering in a new era of hospitality. They continue the tradition of excellence by offering a curated selection of self-catering properties across Cape Town. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, Smithland ensures your stay is characterized by comfort, convenience, and the warmth of a true home away from home.
Our Social Responsibility
At Smithland Guest Apartments, we are committed to making a positive impact beyond hospitality. Founded by Mrs. Nerina Smith, our ethos revolves around empowering individuals and supporting various causes that uplift our communities. One of our flagship initiatives is Women on the Move, a non-profit organization started by Nerina Smith. This program offers life-skills training to unemployed women, equipping them with valuable skills for personal and professional development. Upon completion of the training, participants receive essential items such as second-hand clothes, kitchen utensils, and stationary to support their journey towards self-sufficiency. In addition to training and support, Smithland sponsors outreach programs to local and rural areas, providing food hampers, travel expenses, and accommodations to those in need. We have also engaged in initiatives like the Santa Shoe Box project, distributing hundreds of gift-filled boxes to disadvantaged elderly communities during the holiday season.
Recognizing the need for sustainable livelihoods, Smithland transformed a storage room into a sewing room where unemployed women manufacture pillows for the elderly and other knitted items. The proceeds from these sales directly contribute to the women's wages, ensuring financial independence and stability.
During times of crisis, such as the devastating 2017 fires in Knysna and the COVID-19 pandemic, Smithland and Women on the Move stepped up to provide immediate relief and employment opportunities. From delivering non-perishable goods and blankets to manufacturing reusable sanitary towels under Project Lilly, our commitment to community support and empowerment remains unwavering.
At Smithland Guest Apartments, we believe in the transformative power of women empowerment and community engagement. Nerina Smith's dedication continues to inspire us to seek new ways to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, locally and beyond. Join us in our journey to create a brighter future for all. More info can be found on http://www.projectlilly.com