Township tourism shows untapped potential

Source: IOL, 20/11/2015

Tourists ride bicycles during a Soweto bicycle tour that has become
popular in the township. The writer says that this kind of tourism is
an untapped source of income for many low income earners living in
predominantly black areas in South Africa.


On a recent oversight visit to the Maboneng Township Arts Experience
in Langa, the argument around the importance and beneficial nature of
township tourism was made overwhelmingly clear.


Growing at three times the world average, tourism has become one of
the most important sectors in South Africa, creating almost a million
jobs since 1994 and even overtaking gold exports as an earner of
foreign currency. In comparison to mainstream tourism, however,
township tourism is still marginal.


Research on tourism, in general, points to its macroeconomic effects
such as gross domestic product growth and job creation. Research on a
microeconomic level indicates, however, that employment is mainly
located in the informal sector, which is associated with traditionally
low-income sector jobs.


New areas
The South African Tourism Strategy Paper for 2011 to 2013 suggests
that tourism needs to expand into new areas and to promote the direct
participation of historically disadvantaged groups, because if tourism
is to impact significantly on poverty and unemployment, then it must
develop in areas beyond the traditional routes and nodes currently
used.


Township tourism is a niche which offers guided tours of predominantly
international tourists to townships.


A large number of these tours are based in Johannesburg and Cape Town
and have become a well-selling product among tour operators.


Township tours in South Africa emerged after 1994, when townships as
sites of political conflicts initially attracted visitors who were
interested in South Africa`s democratic transition.


Today, township tour operators take visitors to sites of significance
to the anti-apartheid movement, as well as of historically oppressed
communities.


Although township tourism has, in the past, been a controversial issue
– with some saying tourists are invited to "gawk" at other people`s
poverty, it should not be viewed so one-dimensionally. The townships
are rich in culture and have much to offer to visitors in terms of
connecting with South Africans and learning about all aspects of our
society.


Tour operators now frequently bus visitors into townships to look at
local craft shops or to visit popular taverns and other
experiences.

But when tour companies change the focus of
their visits to other areas, township residents and craft shops sit
without income.


The Maboneng Township Arts Experience is a public arts intervention
that works with homeowners from different townships around South
Africa to create their residences into art galleries.


Together with gallery-home owners, they create festivals and permanent
art homes called TAGs (Township Art Galleries). There are currently
two TAGs so far, one in Alexandra Township (Alex TAG) and another in
Langa Township (Langa TAG).


This is an amazing project, which showcases the benefits of township
tourism when properly put into operation; they are trying to create
structures that are sustainable. Township tourism development plays a
vital role in highlighting tourism attractions, with a focus on
culture and heritage, and to create unique visitor experiences.


In order to make township tourism benefit the community and industry,
the Tourism Department must make available significantly more capacity
building and resources. I am convinced that township tourism can
create a variety of economic opportunities for township residents.



Tourism has a massive potential for job creation and already supports
1.5 million jobs. It is estimated that for every 12 tourists that come
to South Africa, 1 job is created.


More importantly, the tourism industry creates jobs at all skill
levels and is able to absorb a high number of unskilled
workers.

Apart from changing perceptions and helping to
change the stereotype of township life and people, township tourism
has a major role to play in the local economy.


Through the growing tourism sector, townships have become more
accessible and opportunities have opened for black South
Africans.


Township tourism has huge potential to provide ever-growing economic
opportunities for local entrepreneurs to enter the ground tour
operating business. If supported, it has a great contribution to make
to overcome the legacy of social and economic exclusion, which has for
too long characterised township life.


Given the job losses in the mining and manufacturing sectors, we need
the tourism industry to keep South Africans working. It is only
through job creation and robust economic growth that we will be able
to unlock opportunities for all South Africans and give life to the
freedoms on which our democracy is based.