PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plett Tourism has showcased its newly developed Bitou Township and Village Tour routes, highlighting the cultural experience of Bitou's various communities.
The initiative aims to highlight the vibrant culture, rich history, and entrepreneurial spirit of townships and village communities, including Qolweni, Kwanokuthula and Kranshoek.
In Qolweni, visitors will be given a rundown on the area's history on a cultural tour that winds through the informal section of the township, stopping at a local hairdresser's, housed in a ship container, that specialises in braiding.
Anyone can join meander
Mostly aimed at foreign tourists, anyone can join the hour-long meander through Qolweni for R350 per person.
Expert guide Khayakazi "Kaya" Guzi, who grew up in the area, gives a rundown of the history that drew many isiXhosa-speaking people to the area in search of a better life. She runs the tour in conjunction with Ocean Blue Adventures.
The emphasis is also on the upliftment of the area, explaining the difficult living conditions and challenges faced by the residents, many of them working in Plett.
Upliftment, improving community
For Vuyo Kitsi, of Ithinga Tours in Kwanokuthula, it is also a question of highlighting the cultural aspect the township's offerings, concentrating on upliftment and improving the Kwano community. Stops along her tour route include the town "centre" that houses an outdoor "butchery" run from a truck. Next-door Lehle's Tshisanyama & Takeaways serves up township specials, like "smiley's" (sheep's head) and tripe, cooked on an open fire with large pots.
"Locals think it is even better than KFC," says Kitsi, pointing at the queue of potential customers.
Peek at tavern
Another stop provides a peek at Malibu's Tavern which, according to Victoria Rowe, also of Ithinga Tours, offers the "full Monty" of a tavern experience - "a hit with foreigners trying to get the local township moves and music", says Rowe.
The tour of Kranshoek, led by Chief Justin Barnardo of the Royal Inqua Tribe, also focuses on the upliftment of the community, with emphasis on what is being done for the aged.
Griqua people
Barnardo puts an historical emphasis on the Griqua people who settled in Kranshoek. Stops are made at various historical high points in the town, including the old post office and the church that forms the centre-point of the town's heritage. Elders are called upon to give their perspective on their experiences of Kranshoek.
The highpoint of the tour was at the beacon atop the "Aartmoeder" (a rock installation in the form of elephants), overlooking the ocean, where Barnardo reminds those present of the close proximity between humans and nature.
And the visit is concluded with a cultural "toast" with buchu tea, symbolising the special significance of the spot.
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