By ‘Maleruo Leponesa
Nwabisa Tshikila is a qualified tour guide with a passion for showcasing Makhanda’s rich culture and history.
Born and raised in Joza, Tshikila started her tourism journey in 2024 by recruiting school kids for her tours. Her company is called Lhoza’s Tours, a name inspired by her childhood nickname given to her by her parents.
“With my company, Lhoza Tours, I make sure guests have unforgettable tours, memorable adventures that blend education, culture and fun. I make sure every visitor leaves with a deeper connection to Makhanda and its heritage,” said Tshikila.
Becoming a tour guide
Tshikila’s career began with a learnership from the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency, where she worked as a Tour Monitor. She later did her practical training at Albany Museum, gaining firsthand knowledge of local heritage preservation.
She is not just a self-taught guide; her love for tourism was formalised through her successful completion of Level 4 in Culture and Nature Guiding.
She also gained valuable industry experience while working at Ottos as a Domestic Tourism Marketer.
“My intention is to provide correct information to the guests,” Tshikila said.
Passion and purpose
Tshikila is passionate about sharing her culture and learning about others. She enjoys meeting people from different places and speaking different languages.
Her initial target audience was school children. She focused on teaching learners about the history of Makhanda, its culture, and local attractions.
“I make sure during the tours the kids are safe and feel comfortable,” she said.
Due to growing interest from parents, she later expanded her services to include adults and added new activities to her offerings.
