Masiphumelele Bicycle Township Tour
Website: www.awol.travel
E-mail: info@awol.travel
Phone: +27 (0)21 788 1256
Mobile: +27 (0)83 234 6428
Who they are
In 2002 AWOL Tours initiated and manages, on a not-for-profit basis, a bicycle tourism programme in the Masiphumelele community of Cape Town in conjunction with the NGO Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN). BEN promotes the use of the bicycle in all of its forms to enhance low-cost, non-motorised, transport and health and access to opportunity, employment, skills and education. This programme evolved from BEN’s importation of second hand bikes and the establishment of Independent Bicycle Dealers (IBD) owned and operated by local residents. AWOL’s guests hire bicycles from the BEN IBD’s and we then conduct a tour of Masiphumelele incorporating local businesses.
What they do
Since establishment more 3000 tourists have participated on this tour, spreading considerable financial benefit to the community. Apart from the various donations from the visiting tourists, much needed income has been generated and put into circulation in local township as part of tourism services and fees paid to business owners such as Phumlani Dlongwana’s BEN IBD Bicycle shop, Nomawethu Maqungo’s small restaurant which provides refreshments; Traditional Healers/ Sangoma’s and the local Creche with approximately 100 children.
Other benefits have included an exhibition of the township held by German photographer Christoph Siegert in March 2004. All the proceeds of the sale of artwork went towards BEN Bicycle workshop and assisted Phumlani Dlongwana to purchase tools page 2 of 2 and 20 bicycles. The BEN tourism project in Masiphumelele has generated significant, sustainable benefits and although operating on a small scale, has proven to provide real, lasting benefits for local people and greater Cape Town.
AWOL is also currently raising funds to build a proper building for Peacock Educare to replace the current little shack that has been a day care for up to 65 kids since 2001. We looking at raising between $40 000 & $60 000 to build a double story structure that can accommodate at least 60 children.
What they offer
A local, qualified guide will escort guests around the township, visiting interesting places and explaining Xhosa customs. A highlight of the tour is traditional dancing by a Sangoma (African traditional healer) and a visit to the local pre-school (which receives proceeds towards the betterment of their facilities). Enjoy tea or lunch in an African home and the taste of authentic African cuisine.
Location
AWOL Tours
PO Box 17,
Muizenberg 7950,
Cape Town, South Africa
What you need
- Hat
- Sun glasses
- Sun cream
- Good walking shoes
Prices vary according to tour itineraries. Please contact AWOL Tours for further information
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MASIPHUMELELE – meaning “We will succeed” and so the people will!
A 20 year old township, south in the Peninsula, home to around 45 000 people, of mixed ethnicity was devastated by fire in the early hours, just over a week ago, raising around 1500 shacks & homes!
Cycling around the township twice this week, I have been amazed, enlightened and privileged to have witnessed this community’s energy and commitment to success!
My tour on Sunday with Rahul, a visitor from India, started with a church service – which was so active – it was reminiscent of an “aerobics class”. The positive energy was infectious and within minutes, our feet were tapping & our hands clapping along with the congregation’s.
On the second tour, I was accompanied by Yurieca from Japan & Anneliese from Germany. This time we started at one of the crèche’s, where around 70 children are left daily in the care of 4 minders.
Charged by AWOL, with the responsibility of handing over donated blankets – to the Crèche, chaos erupted as these hyperactive children ran riot with excitement, pulling on clothes & hair, climbing & hanging onto the girls.
Trying to capture these moments on camera & their emotions, all of a sudden an “angelic child” approached Yurieca & said “Thank you”!
I couldn’t capture the moment in a picture & words just wouldn’t do this precious moment justice!
Collecting our cycles – which we had left unlocked while unattended, we passed through the area raised by the fire. The shacks have been rebuilt & life has returned to “Normal”.
The brick Houses left in ruins…… the acrid stench still hanging in the air!
Onto a Songoma (Faith healer) providing a community service, with just 2 doctors at the local clinic. With her “learner” following closely & her 2 assistants beating drums, she chants, dances & gesticulates with her cow tail “wands” – & then signals for us to join in with her chant!
Having worked up an appetite – it’s was now time for lunch – Braai’d meet – Beef, Pork & Sausage, a loaf of bread with a Tomato & Onion salad – substantial & satisfying, but all too soon time to head home.
Despite their total loss of home, clothes & belongings in the fire, both of my guides, Zwaai & Temberlanie gave my guests & I a wonderful tour, insight into a day in the life of people in a township – & opened the eyes of my guests to the life & times in South Africa.
Thank you guys!!