MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay's first-ever structured kasi experience, titled the Best Kept Secret, took 14 guests to various parts of KwaNonqaba and Tarka last Wednesday, 13 May, to showcase the area's authentic local cultural gems.
This tour, organised by local activists and entrepreneurs Walter Blaq and Theo Vundisa of the Black Sheep Network, was born after the pair were announced the winners of a marketing masterclass, an initiative by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, supported by Mossel Bay Tourism, earlier this year.
The masterclass programme was held in Mossel Bay over two days in late January, and 24 locals in the creative and entrepreneurial space were invited to reimagine tourism from the inside out.
Blaq and Vundisa's concept sought to focus on real community-driven experiences - not just beaches and hotels, but the actual stories, people and cultures that make the Garden Route unique.
This winning concept was officially brought to life last week, taking 14 guests from the Mossel Bay Tourism offices in town to several stops in KwaNonqaba and Tarka.
A guest snaps a photo at the KwaNonqaba Business Park. Photo: Andrea Bradfield
Blaq told Mossel Bay Advertiser Siphiwo Landzela was the driver and the tour guide was Elridge Masoka, and they took the group around in a minibus taxi. Their first stop was the Tarka Community Story Stop. Here, well-known artists James Malgas and author Charles Theunissen gave them a community history lesson.
Next was the Crystal Blaq Entertainment Studio, to showcase the creative industry and music culture in the area with artist Mof-Cando and producer Sk Baleni.
A taste of the experience. Video: Crystal Blaq Ent
The next stop was the KwaNonqaba Business Park, where the guests were able to see the brilliance of township entrepreneurship and local businesses first-hand.
ECorneni Lifestyle was the final stop, where the guests enjoyed traditional food, music, dance "and cultural interaction with the locals".
Blaq said the dancers of Golden Young Stars entertained the guests, and did so beautifully.
This first edition of the tour was a demo run, and the guests included tourism stakeholders and community members.
The guests at their first stop in Tarka with local artist James Malgas (white jacket). Photo: Andrea Bradfield
"Yes, this was the first structured community-based cultural tour demo of this kind under the brand Best Kept Secret Tour (Visit Kwa), aimed at developing a township tourism product that is safe, organised and market-ready. The feedback was extremely positive. The guests enjoyed the authenticity of the experience, the storytelling, the food and cultural element, and the exposure to township businesses. Many mentioned the strong potential for the overseas market as well as for the local retirees."
Blaq added that they are in the process of finalising the next tour.
To see more from Blaq and Vundisa, follow their Facebook page Black Sheep Network.
You can also follow the Crystal Blaq Ent Facebook page or the YouTube channel Black Sheep Network.
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