By Maleruo Leponesa
“I used my pension money to start a homestay, and I must say, it has been one project that kept me alive.” These were the words of a Makana Homestay owner at a successful recent event in Tantyi. Local women are taking control of their economic destinies through operating homestays.
Lulama Kopo said she has always loved to care for people, especially visitors. She decided to turn her own house into a homestay with the financial assistance of her daughters. “Through the training that we received, I began to have an eye for restyling my home into a conducive homestay. We also got training on hospitality, which was an added skill to my pre-existing courtesy skills that I possessed as a woman. I must say, this opportunity has the potential to enhance the growth of our economy positively.”
Linda Mtse said she had lost hope because she was ill after a stroke. “But, I knew I had to fight for my life. I knew that I had children to take care of, but I had lost my job; how was I going to survive? I remember how I used to care for people because I worked, among many places, at the Department of Health. My last job was at Rhodes University, and in both positions, I was in the Department of Hospitality.
“Then, the idea of a homestay crossed my mind,” Mtse said. She encouraged women not to underestimate their houses but to do their best with what they have and ensure their standards qualify for accreditation. She added that Rhodes University will offer practical digital marketing courses, which are part of their training programs supported by Makana Tourism.
Faith Mtyda, owner of Faith’s Homestay, said resilience was the key. “I would like to applaud all of you for not giving up. Some started years ago, trials and tribulations were met along the way, but you are still standing. Indeed, giving up is not an option,” she said.
“My late grandmother would always say this world is not for the weakling,” Mtyda said. “Nelson Mandela said it always seems impossible until it is done.”
Mtyda said that while managing people was challenging, “we must always have the correct mindset”.
She reminded the community that this project was about building brands, legacies and a clear suspension plan. “We are playing a role in building the township economy for the country. One homestay at a time. A big congratulations. to a new chapter, to an initiative born again; let’s learn from others, let’s jealously guard our businesses and perhaps let’s adopt a new approach. Let’s support, empower, applaud and fix each other’s crown.
“If you don’t remember what I said today, do remember Kwam eMakana,” she said.
Makana Tourism has played a significant role in the project. Sinoxolo Duda, a homestay marketing liaison and project manager, explained the registration process for a homestay to be recognised. One must register at Makana Tourism to be a member, and then the tourism department will come and inspect and verify the house. The house will then be checked for what it has and what needs to be corrected.
Makana Tourism does not give direct funding, but it does write proposals to the funders on behalf of the homestay owners, Duda explained.
The R36 000 financing of linen, which is to be divided amongst the owners of the homestays (each is going to get R1000), was donated by Sarah Baartmaan District Municipality after the Makana Tourism proposal was successful.
Makana Tourism Acting Director Prudence Mini said the Makana Homestay Experience Project was an ambitious initiative aimed at revitalising township-based tourism in Makhanda and surrounding villages within Makana by empowering local households to offer authentic, culturally rich homestay accommodation. The project provides training, marketing support, and essential resources to participating homestay operators, ensuring that visitors enjoy warm, safe, immersive stays that reflect the vibrant soul of the community.
