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Buntu Matole's vision: revolutionising Cape Town tourism through community engagement

Buntu Matole, an entrepreneur born in Khayelitsha, offers township tours in Cape Town. Image: Supplied At the heart of Cape Town's vibrant travel scene, Buntu Matole stands as a beacon of change, driving a revolution in how tourism intersects with local culture. As the co-founder and director of a pioneering travel company, Matole has dedicated the last decade to crafting experiences that illuminate the rich tapestry of South African communities, particularly those often overlooked by conventional tourism. 'My motivation has always been to create meaningful experiences that connect people to places, cultures, and stories that are often overlooked,' Matole shares, reflecting on his journey that began ten years ago. Growing up in Khayelitsha, he witnessed the beauty and depth of local culture, recognising the need to embrace rather than lament his community's narrative. Through his various projects, Matole has not only opened doors for visitors but has also provided vital opportunities for local communities. He fondly recalls his pride in launching initiatives such as the ABCD Concept and the 'Class in the Cloud' programme, which takes disadvantaged school children on adventures to Table Mountain, one of the world's seven wonders. 'This experience gives them access to a world of possibilities they may not otherwise encounter,' he explains, stressing the importance of local travel and awareness. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Another initiative close to Matole's heart is the Mask Campaign launched during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a time of crisis, he orchestrated a collaboration with local tailors to produce reusable cloth masks, offering both protection and economic relief for families affected by the pandemic. 'It was about using what we had to take care of each other,' he notes, highlighting the power of community action. Recently, Matole has turned his focus toward empowering the youth through the Youth Travel & Tech Summit, a project that unites young people from various townships to explore opportunities in tourism and technology. Buntu Matole showing tourists around a township near Cape Town. Image: Supplied 'Seeing young people inspired to dream bigger is the best reward,' Matole asserts, emphasising the importance of mentorship and skill-building. Taking creative risks has defined Matole's journey. He challenges the mainstream narrative of township tourism by offering immersive experiences that foster direct community interaction. 'We created walking and running tours that allow tourists to experience township life authentically. The result is a much richer engagement for both visitors and residents,' he reflects. These bold moves have not only set him apart from competitors but have also reaffirmed the significance of community-led tourism. However, the journey hasn't always been comfortable. Matole candidly admits that many perceive him as a naturally confident public speaker due to his leading roles. 'The truth is, I often push myself out of my comfort zone,' he states. But it's this very discomfort that fuels his drive to advocate for his community and continue building connections within it. Living in Cape Town, Matole thrives amidst the city's dynamic blend of cultures and natural beauty. 'There's nowhere else where you can wake up to the ocean, walk through vibrant townships, hike a mountain, and end the day enjoying music and good food together,' he enthuses. For visitors, he advises bringing an open mind, as the essence of Cape Town lies in the stories and connections waiting to be discovered beyond the tourist hotspots. On destinations Matole has dreamt of exploring, Mozambique is at the top for its lively culture and stunning coastlines, while he also expressed a desire to visit Lesotho to experience its rich heritage. 'The best holidays aren't about fancy resorts; they're about places that remind you how wonderfully diverse our world is,' he reflects. Looking towards 2025, Matole envisions expanding the Youth Travel & Tech Summit and launching new community-led experiences. Strengthening partnerships with local and international organisations is a key goal, ensuring a wider distribution of resources and training for local communities. 'At the heart of all this is the same mission: telling our stories, creating opportunities, and showcasing the power of our communities,' he explains. He encourages aspiring travel industry professionals to embrace their journeys authentically. 'Start where you are, with what you have. Don't be afraid to take risks and ask for help - focus on the people and the stories.' Matole's journey has revealed that meaningful connections and genuine experiences are the foundation of impactful travel. Amidst his many roles, Matole recalls one of the most bizarre moments of his career: organising a silent disco on a township street amidst load shedding. 'It turned into one of the most unforgettable nights,' he recalls, reminding us that sometimes the most unexpected ideas create magical connections between people. For Matole, life is governed by his mantra: 'Start with what you have, where you are, and do what you can.' This ethos has shaped his approach to creating impactful experiences and nurturing his community through tourism.