MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Local community activists and entrepreneurs Walter Blaq and Theo Vundisa of the Black Sheep Network were announced the winners of a recent marketing masterclass, an initiative by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, supported by Mossel Bay Tourism.
The masterclass programme was held in Mossel Bay over two days in late January, when 24 locals in the creative and entrepreneurial space were invited to reimagine tourism from the inside out.
According to a post on Mayor Dirk Kotzé’s Facebook page, training for the masterclass was given by Nicolette Booyens, an award-winning CEO and business development specialist.
The post said the programme focused on unlocking authentic, community-led tourism experiences, from hidden gems to multisensory adventures rooted in everyday spaces.
Throughout the two-day masterclass, the participants engaged in discussions and activities with a core focus on strengthening local tourism.
They were given two weeks to fine-tune any ideas they had that could open new income streams and collaborations, and add depth to Mossel Bay’s tourism sector, and then pitch them to the masterclass.
Blaq told Mossel Bay Advertiser he and Vundisa had named their concept the ‘Black Sheep Trip’. He felt their concept stood out because it focuses on real community-driven experiences - not just beaches and hotels, but the actual stories, people and culture that make the Garden Route unique.
“Black Sheep Trip is about taking visitors through the authentic side of the town: the music, the food, the street culture, the creatives, the events, the conversations, and the everyday spaces in which real life happens. It turns the journey of a local hustler into a tourism experience, giving visitors a chance to see the Garden Route through the eyes of its youth and culture makers,” he said.
Blaq said their concept winning the pitch confirmed that raw, authentic stories have value and that the Black Sheep Network can play a real role in shaping the future of tourism in Mossel Bay.
The first official trip will launch on 24 April and will include local food tasting, creative stops to visit a KwaNonqaba fashion designer and a local music studio, walkthroughs of the KwaNonqaba business park, an amapiano dance challenge, traditional dances and more.
Andrea Bradfield of Mossel Bay Tourism congratulated the pair and said seeing all of the pitches was an inspiring showcase of local talent, creativity and entrepreneurial drive.
“When I had the privilege of being voted onto the Mossel Bay Tourism Board, I carried a very clear mission - to see township tourism meaningfully supported and given space to grow. Real transformation in tourism does not happen through marketing alone; it happens when local products, experiences and passionate people are empowered to step forward,” she said.
“It is not only heart-warming to see shining lights emerge - individuals who are now confidently taking up the challenge to showcase their stories - but economically empowering. This is how authentic tourism grows.”
Bradfield added that there is often criticism that tourism does not benefit the broader community.
“The truth is, as a destination-marketing organisation, we promote what exists - and the more diverse, quality experiences we have, the stronger and more inclusive our destination becomes.
"Community-conscious tourism is not a trend. It is about meaningful human connection, safe and welcoming spaces, shared economic opportunity, and celebrating the richness of our differences. When done thoughtfully, tourism can be a powerful bridge,” she said.
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