Grocott’s Mail, in partnership with Makana Tourism, spoke to various stakeholders in the tourism industry to gather their insights and help educate the public on the importance of this sector. In an attempt to shed some light on Tourism: what it is, why it matters, and how we can all play a role in growing this vital part of our economy, Maleruo Leponesa reports. Ilan Weyner from Heritage Storytelling Tours shared a straightforward definition he found online: “Tourism is the activity of visitors taking a trip to the main destination.” However, as the conversations reveal, tourism extends far beyond that;…
Author: Maleruo Leponesa
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By ‘Maleruo Leponesa As we wrap up Heritage and Tourism Month, Makana Tourism invites all community members to take part in a new survey, a step toward developing a more inclusive, community-led tourism strategy that benefits everyone in our region. According to Makana Tourism Director Prudence Mini, this survey is “A Call to All in Makana.” Mini says: “Tourism in the Makana region, from Makhanda to surrounding villages, holds incredible potential. But not everyone feels included or represented in that story. To build a more inclusive, sustainable, and locally-driven tourism sector, we need your voice.” Why your voice matters This…
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa Makana Local Municipality, in partnership with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Rhodes University, and relevant stakeholders, held an Arbour Day Celebration at Folley’s Ground, Hlalani, on Monday. The event aimed to educate community members about the importance of trees in enhancing environmental sustainability, improving air quality, and promoting ecological balance. According to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), National Arbour Week is a valuable opportunity to call on all South Africans to plant indigenous trees as a practical and symbolic gesture of sustainable environmental…
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…
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa The celebration of Heritage Month took on a unique form this year at Rhodes University when the Basotho and Bapedi associations came together to showcase their traditions through a symbolic traditional wedding ceremony. Precious Rammala, chairperson of the Bapedi Association, explained the origins of this collaboration: “Our association started in 2024 with just a few members. During this year’s Extravaganza event, we learned that the Basotho Association was also founded in 2024. We had a plan to have a traditional wedding as a way to showcase our tradition and celebrate heritage. We then collaborated with the Basotho…
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa Akhona “Bhodl’Ingqaka” Mafani, a local poet, storyteller, actor, songwriter, composer, and musician with a national reputation, is hosting a heritage fundraiser in the City Hall on Saturday 28 September. “Our event, aptly named Cultural Mosaic, promises to be an unforgettable experience, filled with music, dance, poetry, and art,” said Mafani. The programme aims to celebrate our rich cultural diversity, highlighting the traditions, customs, and artistic expressions of various communities across the Eastern Cape and beyond — and to raise funds to help grow the next generation of praise poets. The event starts at 2pm with a line-up…
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa This heritage month, Makana Tourism has embarked on a strategy of communicating to local people how many hidden gems there are to explore and discover which are right under their noses. Prudence Mini, the acting director, says “Many people living in and around Makhanda don’t know what’s available within five to 20km of their homes. There are rural gems — game farms, historic villages, natural sites — that they’ve never visited.” Building up to Makana Tourism’s AGM, Mini says the strategy is to: create platforms for participation, awareness, and pride; build a consistent narrative about Makhanda and its surrounding…
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa Blue Monday for who? Get comfort from the Rustic Route’s Mogodu Monday! At The Rustic Route Sinayo Tshikhi is turning the start of the week into a celebration of comfort, culture, and flavour with her much-loved Mogodu Mondays. Every Monday, Tshikhi serves up mouth-watering tripe (ulusu) — a dish close to her heart and one of her all-time favourite comfort foods. “It only made sense to me to make this dish available on Mondays,” Tshikhi says. “Most people find Monday to be the most stressful day of the week. So, when one is stressed, nothing says comfort…
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa From beauty queen to community builder, this is the story of Ashante Satsha and Embo Jewels. Satsha is a beauty pageant queen, entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for youth empowerment who began her journey at 15. Since then she’s earned multiple titles, including Miss Freshiet, Mrs Cingani, and Miss High School. Even motherhood couldn’t slow her down, she went on to become a finalist in Mrs Majestic Royalty South Africa. But Satsha’s ambitions extend far beyond crowns and sashes. The birth of Embo Jewels: a dream turned movement In 2023, Satsha founded Embo Jewels Beauty Pageants and Modelling…
By ‘Maleruo Leponesa Heritage Month in Makhanda kicks off on the sports field with a celebration that blends competition, culture, and community unity. The King Lobengula Foundation, in partnership with DSRAC, is hosting a series of soccer and netball tournaments at the eGazini Memorial Precinct, starting Wednesday, 10 September at 9 am. The aim of the event this year is to celebrate the heroes of the Eastern Cape, particularly Makhanda, with the opening match being between SAPS and SANDF. According to Sizwe Mda, the director of King Lobengula Foundation, the army and police are today’s heroes and are worth recognition. …