IF there’s one thing South African Township and Village Tourism Association is good at, they know their market- period.
To debut their catchy Kasi2Kasi campaign and show their mettle within the tourism sector, they extended invites to young and ambitious women, from all corners of the country, as travel/tourism operators, to join in the expedition and market their products.
Famous Sakhumzi eatery in Orlando-Soweto was the meeting point last week, were upon arrival tea and coffee was offered, thanks to chilly weather.
The itinerary was simple: travel your country, explore it and unearth hidden gems in villages/townships, hence the partnership with Sho’tLeft a unit of South African Tourism- Local Destination.
The campaign will visit other regions nationally.
Of we went, ending up in the very cold Free State province- QwaQwa to explore authentic Basotho culture, immersing in the likes of Clarens that breathes life into its community.
There’s something almost magical about this little village tucked into the foothills, so they say.
Visited Bothobapelo Country Lodge- Leratong Village, for medicinal tourism experience, Sesotho dance by BoMme and variation of food cuisine, amongst others.
Stayed at Dinkoeng Tented Camp and Adventure (for a night of glamping) that is found between Maloti and Drakensberg Mountains, for eco-tourism and heritage outdoor that is popular with German tourists.
Popped in at HaMagriza Indigenous eatery for more African food, and our final stay from the hill of FS was at the Letsheng Lodge…
And to wrap up the two-day stay, we marched on to an Industrial Shishanyama for a nightlife experience in the Free State. This is where the ladies let their hair down, make-up faded and dancing shoes did the talking…as we concluded the Eagle Route expedition, according to Bonolo Molefe, from the Free State Tourism.
The fundamental message is to create hype around tourism in villages and townships, nationally, and how best the rand can circulate to benefit and develop Township Economy, amongst others.
“The Kasi2Kasi tour is an important initiative for SATOVITO because it directly showcases the value and tourism as a key contributor to SAs domestic tourism economy. Through this activation, we’re creating authentic tourism experiences that connect travellers, media, influencers and tourism stakeholders, with people, culture, food and stories found within our communities”, says one of the organisers, Tumi Magongoa- SATOVITO executive member, who partook on a hike-walk towards the Monantsapas Border Gate, that straddles between SA and Lesotho.
Ladysmith, in KwaZulu-Natal was our destination, and Dongala Boutique played host for yet another evening.
The following day, for the uninitiated we took a turn at Howick- the capture of Dr Nelson Mandela, to share what the world does or doesn’t know, how he got to be captured.
On partnering with South African National Taxi Council, Magongoa pointed out: “This collaboration with SANTACO is equally significant because taxis remain the primary mode for many travellers accessing township and village destinations.”
This collaboration with SANTACO is equally significant because taxis remain the primary mode for many travellers accessing township and village destinations.
Through this partnership we’re highlighting the important role that public transport plays in enabling inclusive and accessible domestic tourism.”
“Kasi2kasi is more than just a road trip, it’s a movement aimed driving visibility, collaboration, and economic participation within townships and village tourism communities,” concluded Magongoa, who between the interview and team, were busy preparing for the 2026 Durban Tourism Indaba.
It begins from May 12 to 14 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban ICC.
Image supplied (Smitten. Duduzile Maluleke and Tisetso Bodiba, who own their respective travel products, recorded in Basotho blankets outside HaMagriza eatery in the very cold Qwa-Qwa, who were part of the Kasi2Kasi expedition.)
