Gugulethu's tourism industry is floundering because of crime, vandalism and poor infrastructure, but state policies that support small business could help to turn it around

So says Sithembile Ntaba, the founder of Lokshin Pioneers, a non-profit organisation, who spoke at a tourism expo, attended by Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu, at the JL Zwane Memorial in NY2 on Wednesday February 5.

Government should encourage investment in the township economy with policies that supported small businesses, he said.

“Gugulethu is slowly deteriorating. When I look at Langa, they have walking tours. Langa is vibrant. When I look at Khayelitsha, tourists go to places like Kwa-Ace. The only hotel that is graded in the township is the Spade, that is the only one. We do not have such an establishment in Gugulethu."

While more could be done to promote Gugulethu's accommodation offerings and work with tourism bodies, the township’s problems with crime, vandalism and poor infrastructure had to be overcome as they remained a barrier to tourism growth, he said.

A rethink was also needed on the area's current tourist attractions, he said, noting that Gugulethu offered much more than just its Apartheid-era monuments.

"We take them to the Gugulethu Seven monument and Amy Biehl. Gugulethu Seven can add value, but it is not enough. What does that say about us? You are telling people that, kuyafiwa apha, people die here. We have to change that. People must see Gugulethu. Take them to the vendors. Allow them to enjoy township cuisine and feel they are in the township. If you go to Langa tours, you will find tourists in those vendors eating inyama yenyongo. Langa is now buzzing, even on TikTok,” he said.

Township sports tournaments should be revived to promote Gugulethu and support its economy, he added.

“We have to go back and create more activities. That is the only way we can ignite tourism here."

Echoing his sentiments, Sub-council 13 chairperson Melikhaya Gadeni said crime was the biggest challenge in Gugulethu, and tourists had stopped visiting because of it.

“White people were the biggest victims. Maybe if we can have resources like roads and sewers fixed, things might change. But mostly we need to fight crime,” he said.

Minister Sontyu said the government wanted tourism to grow.

“There is support that is available from the government. People should come out and speak. The government will not know who wants help if they do not speak. We will go all around the country to pass this message so that it does not only end here."

Thembile Ntaba, founder of Lokshin Pioneers, is eager to revive tourism in Gugulethu.

The floor was opened for people to ask questions and make suggestions. Here, Mlandeli Mbiko, of Nyanga, speaks about the possibility of the government revisiting a tourism ambassador programme.