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ou’d expect aspirant, young business people to look outside of the townships for opportunities, but for three entrepreneurs, casting an eye around those vibrant neighbourhoods brought them their inspiration. Their businesses may be different in nature, but they all have the added benefits of driving transformation and generating employment within communities outside of the traditional tourist stopping grounds. Each has proven that it’s possible to create concerns with very little in terms of capital, provided that the drive and willingness to learn are there.
Sabu Siyaka - Travel & Tourism Siyabulela (Sabu) Siyaka is an enterprising young man. He spotted a gap in the tourism market – that international students at tertiary institutions should all have the chance 50
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Sabu Siyaka
to explore a township in Cape Town. Sabu conducted research into creating a business proposal by attending tourism trade meetings and networking until he was able to draw up a suitable proposal. After that, he approached a local university with his concept, and they
He didn’t have a website, or even a business card in the early days, but managed to create a township tour experience that would become the foundation of his company, Ubizo Tours and Events. The township tour takes international students and other visitors around Langa, the oldest township in South Africa, providing a close-up, intimate experience of the local culture and heritage. It’s not just Sabu who benefits, he has employed a team and, as part of his tour, eight other businesses benefit. The tour showcases local musicians and artists as well as street traders and food stalls. It culminates at Mzansi restaurant which is owned and run by his mother, where guests are treated to a delicious culinary experience accompanied by live music. What stands out about Sabu is that he was prepared to build his dream company. He’s also great with people, a
