CapeTownMagazine.com

The Story Of An Englishman In Manenberg

For Moments of Joy. Follow our social channels
for useful news, daily local champions
 
072 350 2062
Ideas Cartel, The Old Foundry, 1 Sand Hill Road, Green Point
www.capetownmagazine.com/subscribe
now@capetownmagazine.com
CapeTownMag
CapeTownMagazine.com
capetownmag

The Story Of An Englishman In Manenberg

The book launch of a missionary who moved to Cape Town to rehabilitate gangsters

Ten years ago British author and missionary Pete Portal and his wife Sarah exchanged a comfortable existence in London for one in Cape Town's most dangerous neighbourhoods: Manenberg.

Now Portal is launching a book called No Neutral Ground, which unpacks his journey from a promising career in TV production to rehabilitating gangsters and drug addicts.

The book launch takes place at the Young Blood Gallery in Bree Street on 15 August.
'The Story Of An Englishman In Manenberg - 2025'

A LIFE LESS ORDINARY
Portal had a history with Cape Town. In 2007 he did missionary work here, living in Bonteheuwel and volunteering at Drakenstein Prison. It was an eye opening experience for him, "I came to South Africa naive and blind to the effects of colonialism, I was deeply affected by that initial experience."
 
He was also mugged at gunpoint and had things stolen out of the place he lived in, but he came back in 2009, determined and believing that he should engage with what breaks his heart.

He is currently a leader in a church called Tree of Life that strives to show the people of Manenberg that there is a better life. He also heads up Fusion, a project where he opens his home up to provide a balanced environment for those who need it.  

THE BOOK
No Neutral Ground depicts Portal’s transformation from Londoner to Capetonian,  while telling stories about Manenberg residents' struggle with drugs, violence, and gangs, and Portal’s work trying to restore faith to those willing to listen.

From living with a heroin addict to creating a community for those rejected by society, Portal pulls no punches, using diary entries among other methods to tell his hard-hitting story.
'The Story Of An Englishman In Manenberg - 2025'
ATTENDING THE LAUNCH
Hosted by the Youngblood Gallery, the book launch is a free event and all are welcome. It starts at 7pm and a cash bar and limited snacks will be available. The book is already on sale at various outlets, including Bargain Books, Exclusive Books and Takealot.
'The Story Of An Englishman In Manenberg - 2025'

---


'The Story Of An Englishman In Manenberg - 2025'

---

Looking for more intriguing biographies? Find them at one of these Amazing Cape Town Book Stores.

Youngblood Gallery is just one of many exciting places to visit on Bree Street.

Take the schlep out of Sevice your car with a CapeTownMagazine.com courtesy car and 15 Inner City Discoveries.

---

Supercharge your event? Our Events Support Programme gets results. Contact support@capetownmagazine.com or +27 (0)21 422 2444.

Use our events section for an up-to-date overview of what’s happening in the city, ‘burbs and dorpies. Join our newsletter and get quick access on the go by adding us to your mobile home screen for the ultimate guide to discoveries in Cape Town.

Follow and like us on Twitter ❤ Facebook ❤ LinkedIn ❤ Instagram ❤ Pinterest for updates.

Cape Town Events Calendar
July 2025
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31

Knysna Oyster Festival 2025 Everything you need to know about the ...

It’s about more than oysters, with 80+ events over 10 days

Plett Ocean festival 2025All you need to know about the Plett ...

Unpacked: Events, must-try activities and where to stay & eat

PT2The hidden seaside bistro on the ...

Inventive small plates best explored with a wine pairing

Milk on the Beach 2025Reasons to visit this beach-side family ...

DIY waffles, loaded hotdogs, poke bowls, right on the beach

Woodstock BreweryBrewery with food specials (almost) ...

Daily specials on comfort meals like burgers and schnitzels

LMTF Mandela and WinnieMeet 100 bronze life-size figures at ...

From famous heroes like Mandela to forgotten ones like Autshumato

HintHunt AfricaGet over the midweek hump with a ...

Easy spot for team building, midweek date night, & more

The Barracks accommodation city centre Cape Town accommodation special for a ...

20% off, free breakfast, access to rooftop pool

shimansky rockwell 6Shimansky Diamond Experience at The ...

The diamond showroom where you can polish your own stone

Only Specials CaféThe café creating space for ...

It’s hidden in Hermanus. Here’s how to find it

GiveawaysTravel Tips