I recently visited Mbekweni after presenting the DEDAT Co-Developer Workshop in Paarl, where senior stakeholders explored inclusive socio‑economic development through tourism. What I found was a tapestry of community pride, environmental stewardship, entrepreneurship, and township vibrancy — with remarkable tourism potential.

I was welcomed by Khahliso Lefatsa of Myezo Sustainable Development, an organisation focused on environmental protection, biodiversity, indigenous plant propagation, and the greening of Mbekweni. He shared his vision for a greener township and took me to his indigenous plant nursery and a community garden he supports, where thriving winter crops demonstrated the value of local food production. These gardens are more than food sources; they represent self‑reliance, ecological awareness, and opportunities to connect tourism with sustainable community development.

Khahliso then introduced me to Chippa’s Place, owned by entrepreneur Chippa Mlata. An impressive social club, it combines food, music, entertainment, and social connection into a distinctly local lifestyle experience. At the butchery, visitors select their own cuts of meat before watching them prepared on the braai. The meat was delicious, enhanced by a marinating sauce whose recipe is a closely guarded secret. Chippa’s Place shows the powerful tourism appeal of authentic township hospitality, where food and social culture become experiences.

I also met Bulelani Ndzuzo of Keep Mbekweni Clean, a community‑driven initiative tackling illegal dumping, promoting recycling, and organising clean‑up campaigns. His work is restoring and greening public spaces, creating healthier, more welcoming environments. He showed me a park under restoration alongside an emerging eating and lifestyle hub that could become a wonderful place for visitors to enjoy local food, leisure, and social interaction.

This visit was a glimpse of how inclusive tourism development can thrive when communities themselves are the custodians, entrepreneurs, and storytellers of their destination. Mbekweni has the ingredients: community spirit, authentic experiences, environmental initiatives, food, culture, and people with a vision for the future.
A special shout-out to Cheryl Phillips and her team, and Gurshell Abrahams for your support with the workshops and the great work you are doing.

Western Cape Government, Jacques Stoltz, Lindy Cambouris, Khahliso Lefatsa, Bulelani Melokuhle Ndzuzo