Two white South Africans formed a partnership with their black South African Tour Guide after visiting Soweto. They realised their perceptions of post-apartheid Soweto were not accurate and wanted to bring this revelation to other white South Africans in particular. Foreign tourists have always been more open-minded and are invited to see the historical township for themselves.

A chance event in July 2002 changed the lives of three people, when Melissa Jones presented her friend Robyn Fraser with a long-wished for tour of Soweto as a birthday present. Both were completely overwhelmed by the contrast to their preconceived ideas of Africa’s largest black township. Soweto, with all its faces, possibilities and most especially its representation of hope, led them to approach Percy Msimang with the idea of starting their own company. Eight months later two had resigned from their jobs and Soweto South Tours was born, offering inspiring tours to the township.

Said Fraser: “The focus of Soweto South Tours is twofold. The most important aspect is to educate South Africans by introducing them to a life-changing experience on their doorstep. Soweto is one of the top 5 tourist attractions in Gauteng and one of the top 20 in South Africa. This is most significant when one considers that despite up to 500 people visiting Soweto each day, very nearly all are foreign tourists.”

In fact, Fraser and Jones were only the second white South Africans to have stayed a night at a Soweto Bed and Breakfast and taken a tour the following day.
“The sense of community is very strong in Soweto, and the first-hand experience of a squatter family’s shack has a profound effect on every tourist,” continued Fraser. “The people of Soweto are used to the daily tide of tourists and are warm and friendly in our experience.”

“Income from Soweto South Tours will give us the opportunity to pursue our second goal of community upliftment,” said Fraser. We will introduce tours on which volunteers can participate in various community projects that make a real difference to the poor and we hope to offer a networking service to businesses or individuals interested in investing in Soweto. Where possible they will employ or use services provided by Sowetans.”

“We believe that we can help make positive changes to the lives of poorer people, while giving purpose to our own.”

Melissa held a secure job yet before the age of 30 she already found her comfortable life unfulfilling. Percy will now be empowered by also holding shares in the company. “South Africa has so many people in need - if we become a means of giving back to a community we can only find reward,” said Jones.

“Soweto has become a symbol of the South African struggle and even more so a symbol of peace and change. The spirit and energy of this destination is inspiring and symbolises the unlimited possibilities for South Africa. Even more exciting is the opportunity to share with South Africa and the world the history and politics of a city, which played a large role in the freedom of this country,” said Percy.

For further information contact Soweto South Tours on +2711 447 9392 (South Africa).

Issued By: Kathy Mumford
For Further Information:
Kindly contact Melissa Jones
On +2711 447 9392 (South Africa)
info@sowetosouth.co.za
www.sowetosouth.co.za