Women’s Month: Nomsa Mazwai and Barba G on Boosting Safety and Tourism in Soweto

In celebration of Women’s Month, South Africa shines a light on the inspiring stories of women who are not only making a difference in their communities but also changing the narrative of what’s possible. Among these trailblazers are Nomsa Mazwai, a creative activist and entrepreneur, and Barba G, a prominent voice in tourism and social change. Together, they are transforming the way Soweto is perceived. Their focus is on boosting safety and creating unique tourism experiences. This article explores Nomsa Mazwai’s impactful initiatives and how they’re helping to shape a more vibrant, safe, and thriving Soweto.

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A New Vision for Soweto Tourism

Soweto, often seen as a symbol of South Africa’s rich cultural heritage and history, has long been associated with challenges such as crime and safety concerns. However, entrepreneurs like Nomsa Mazwai are determined to shift these perceptions. She is pioneering new ways of engaging tourists, while prioritizing safety. This innovation is particularly inspired by the plight of women’s safety, and through the Soweto Night Tours‘ innovative approach, the community and surrounding businesses benefit.

Nomsa Mazwai: A Creative Activist at the Heart of Change

Nomsa Mazwai is a force to be reckoned with in the creative world. Known for her music and activism, she has taken on the mission of making Soweto a safer place for women, especially at night. Through her nonprofit organisation, Funkit I’m Walking, Nomsa has created an initiative that blends community safety with tourism. This ensures that women can walk the streets of Soweto at night without fear.

Funkit I’m Walking started as a think tank that explored sustainable business models to improve women’s safety. The result? Soweto Night Out Tours, a revolutionary night walking tour aimed at making Soweto a safer destination for women. Concurrently, it attracts tourists, creates jobs and helps keep businesses open for revenue opportunities.

Empowering Women Through Safety and Employment

What sets Soweto Night Out Tours apart is its dual purpose: enhancing women’s safety and providing job opportunities for local communities. Nomsa collaborated with the community policing forum (CPF) in Soweto. This collaboration ensures the streets are safe during the tours. By monetising the CPF’s existing efforts, Nomsa pays the patrollers for their time. This offers a unique model where business success directly contributes to community well-being.

The initiative also works with local youth choirs to create an engaging atmosphere during the night walks. These choirs, composed of young people, provide entertainment. They simultaneously offer an alternative to youth unemployment.

A Vision for Sustainable Tourism

Barba G, a well-known figure in the tourism and arts sectors, shares Nomsa’s vision of reimagining Soweto as a thriving and dynamic destination. As an entrepreneur, she has worked tirelessly to showcase the cultural wealth of the township. Her focus is on creating experiences that blend heritage, wellness, and safety.

Nomsa Mazwai’s innovative approach to tourism is encapsulated in the Soweto Night Out Tours… These tours aim to tap into the “night economy,” a concept that is gaining traction in cities worldwide. She believes that tourism should be an all-hours affair. Businesses, restaurants, and attractions should be open beyond the traditional 9-to-5.

By operating during the evening, Nomsa’s initiative is contributing to a vibrant night economy in Soweto. They attract tourists and locals alike to explore the area after dark. This not only boosts local businesses but also brings a new wave of excitement and energy to the township. Historically, the township has been underutilized after sunset.

Changing Perceptions of Safety in Soweto

One of the main challenges facing Soweto’s tourism industry is the perception that the area is unsafe, especially after dark. Nomsa is working hard to dispel this myth. They show tourists and locals alike that Soweto has much to offer in terms of history, culture, and entertainment. This is all in a safe, welcoming environment.

The night tours are not just about sightseeing; they also provide an opportunity for cultural exchange. Visitors can walk through the streets of Orlando West, past iconic landmarks such as the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum. During their walk, they learn about the rich history of Soweto. The tours celebrate the township’s resilience, creativity, and spirit, while keeping safety as the top priority.

A Unique Experience for Tourists and Locals

Soweto Night Out Tours are designed to appeal to a wide range of tourists. This includes international visitors and local South Africans looking for a fresh experience. The tours offer a chance to discover Soweto’s history, food, music, and culture in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. What’s more, the emphasis on inclusion and community means the tours are open to people of all backgrounds. They aim to create meaningful connections between visitors and locals.

Through these night walks, tourists can experience the vibrancy of Soweto in a way that feels authentic and safe. With music and entertainment along the way, visitors are immersed in the heart of the community. They gain a deeper understanding of the people and places that make Soweto such a unique and inspiring destination.

Tourism and Women’s Empowerment Go Hand in Hand

For Nomsa, the connection between tourism and women’s empowerment is clear. By ensuring women can safely walk the streets of Soweto at night, her initiative enables women to reclaim public spaces. Women can enjoy true freedom. Moreover, by creating jobs for local guides, community members, and artists, they provide valuable economic opportunities. These opportunities are important in a region where unemployment remains a challenge.

Through their efforts, Soweto Night Out Tours is changing the way tourism is approached in South Africa. Their focus is on sustainability, safety, and community. Their work is not just about bringing in tourists. It’s about uplifting the local community and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Building a Sustainable Future for Soweto’s Tourism Industry

As the tourism industry continues to recover and evolve, initiatives like Soweto Night Out Tours are setting a new standard for what tourism can look like. By prioritising safety, women’s empowerment, and local economic development, Nomsa is not only enhancing the tourism experience in Soweto but also building a model that can be replicated across the country.

Their work is a testament to the power of creativity, innovation, and community collaboration. Through their unique approach to tourism, they are proving that safety, sustainability, and cultural richness can go hand in hand, creating a future where Soweto is seen as a beacon of hope and progress.

Curious about how innovation, youth skills, and smarter travel are redefining Gauteng’s future? Read about Shaping the Future of Gauteng: A Conversation on Digital Trends, Youth Empowerment, and Smart Travel. Tap to explore the trends shaping tomorrow, today!

Soweto’s Bright Future: What’s Next?

Looking ahead, both Nomsa and Barba are excited about the future of Soweto tourism. Nomsa Mazwai is working to expand the reach of their Soweto Night Out Tours and collaborate with other creatives and entrepreneurs to further develop the local economy. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and community engagement, She is setting the stage for a new era of tourism in Soweto, one that benefits everyone and showcases the best of South Africa.

As she continues to grow her businesses and empower local communities, Nomsa is not just boosting tourism – she is creating a legacy that will inspire future generations of women and entrepreneurs to take risks, think creatively, and build a better, safer, and more inclusive future for all.