If you’re looking for an enlightening and educational activity and support local, visit the informal settlements with their shacks and lean-tos, spazas, barbershops, bars and tshisanyamas.
A township experience in Knysna offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the local culture. The best way to explore the township is to join a tour led by someone that lives there – there are a number of certified guides in Knysna who can give you an authentic experience that is approved by township dwellers and is both respectful and responsible.
Ekasi tours
For an authentic township ‘ekasi’ (community) tour join Mawande Yengwa of Yengwa Tours whose fascination with culture, history and life in general makes for an interesting and educational experience. Mawande’s diverse, heritage rich expeditions will introduce you to different language dialects, African click songs and dance rhythms. Visit www.yengwatours.co.za for more info.
Emzini Tours
Join Penny Mainwaring and Ella Mapurisa of Emzini Tours for an exciting three-hour township tour. This power duo has raised hundreds of thousands of Rands from international tourists to uplift the local community. Today Emzini runs Lukhanyiso safe house for abused children, supports nearly 30 children through school every month, and looks after another 15 fulltime in Ella’s own home. Visit: www.emzinitours.co.za for more info.
Hashtag Tours
Who better to take you on a tour of Knysna than someone who was born and raised here? Anita Best’s business Hashtag Tours specialises in exploring cultural roots, heritage walks and special interest travel. Tours could include dining with a local, a Xhosa Praise Poet and indigenous games. For more information visit the website (link above) or contact Hashtag Tours on Facebook.
Rise and shine
Visit Concordia township with Vuka Ukhanye (“Rise and Shine”) Community Tours, led by resident guide Gloria Rozani. Gloria customises tours to clients’ interests and tours can include traditional home-cooked meals, singing, dancing and drumming. Part drive, part walk, each tour is enhanced by Gloria’s personal narrative and insights. To book, call Gloria on +27 63 288 5322.
Judah Square
Judah Square is the biggest Rastafarian settlement in South Africa – a gracious, friendly community committed to uplifting its people. It’s located in Khayalethu township where the community has built gardens, a tabernacle, an Educare Centre, two bed and breakfast homestays, a holistic healing centre and a community hall. A tour of Judah Square with the irrepressible Brother Dawie Zebulon Afrikaner is an experience that reveals captivating stories about the people and the history of the community. Tours can be arranged directly with Br Zebs on +27 76 649 1034. For more info visit www.judahsquare.co.za.
Lithemba Crafts & Tours
Michelle Lencoe of Lithemba Crafts & Tours will take you to Smutsville township in Sedgefield to engage with the community as they go about their daily lives. Amongst other places of interest, you will visit the NGO Fresh Start which empowers people to start a new life and the Swop Shop where children can exchange recycled materials for mula points to be traded for second hand goods donated by local residents.To book your tour call +27 61 4718327 or visit www.lithembatours.co.za.
And last but not least, while on your tour be sure to look out for the famous “Township 5” which roams the streets– chickens, donkeys, goats, cows and pigs!
Konga's Tours
Konga Mol focuses is a great choice if you are interested in history.
