Township and Village, a Stellenbosch based tourism social enterprise, was awarded gold at the Africa Responsible Tourism Awards at WTM Africa in Cape Town on Thursday 10 April.
The local enterprise develops and sells community-based cultural and historical experiences for tourism entrepreneurs who deliver the products in their communities, in and around Stellenbosch. It was co-founded by socio-economic development specialist Nicolette Booyens and local NPO Stellenbosch Entrepreneur and Enterprise Development Trust (SEED) in July 2018, with the aim of promoting local economic development through tourism.
The social enterprise start-up was funded by Stellenbosch Municipality, Stellenbosch University, Old Mutual Foundation and the Greater Stellenbosch Trust (GST).
Township and Village further aims to create market access for community-based tourism entrepreneurs and develop high-quality, authentic, and culturally significant tourism experiences. “This initiative gives expression to the South African tourism-led economic development strategy and is a blueprint for successful community-based tourism development,” said Booyens, who is also the regenerative tourism lead at Visit Stellenbosch.
Partnerships drive business
Visit Stellenbosch partnered with Township and Village in 2020, as part of their Regenerative Tourism drive and provides strategic tourism consultation, marketing support and product development funding through the Cape Winelands District Municipality LTA and BR&E funding programmes.
Rene Momberg was appointed to manage the social enterprise in June 2022 and, together with Leana Kotze of SEED and the ongoing support of GST, they have grown the entity to new heights.
“We are thrilled to share that we’ve achieved something truly incredible at Township and Village. This recognition from WTM Africa is not just a personal milestone for me, but evidence of our team’s passion, dedication and commitment to sustainable tourism,” Momberg said.
“Township and Village will continue to bring visitors into community-based spaces by creating meaningful experiences that enlighten, teach, discover, entertain and create community heritage recognition. Thank you for the unwavering support of our joint venture partner, Visit Stellenbosch, and all of our funders that have helped to make this a reality.”
Tourism transformation
Sustainability is the central goal of Township and Village, which is positioned to alleviate the two biggest problems emerging tourism entrepreneurs face – product development and access to formal tourism markets. It offers an extensive range of experience products.
“Stellenbosch is leading the way in tourism growth in South Africa, attracting an enviable visitor profile. The reality is that this growth doesn’t always translate into financial benefits for community-based tourism entrepreneurs,” said Annemie Liebenberg, Visit Stellenbosch CEO.
“That’s why, together with our partners, we’re committed to driving systemic change through our Regenerative Tourism Strategy – focusing on community-based enterprise development, youth employment, deeper sector integration, and truly sustainable practices.”
To find out more, visit the Township and Village website.
