FAQ

Township Tour FAQ

Q.    Why do a township tour?
A.    Because of the legacy of apartheid, South Africa’s cities are still relatively divided along race lines. In Port Elizabeth nearly 70% of its residents live in townships. The philosophy of Calabash Tours is that a visit to PE is incomplete without seeing how and where the majority of people live. We also believe our well researched, quality tours will give you a greater insight into how democracy and freedom have impacted on ordinary black South Africans.

Q.    What will we see?
A.    Our tours weave the story of the establishment of Port Elizabeth and the arrival of all its peoples, into a tapestry of social history that allows you to understand where our townships come from, and what they are like now.  We cover everything from extremely poor squatter communities, some up to 100 years old, to newly developed and old established middle class areas, in total housing about 400 000 people. 

Q.     How do township residents feel about us coming to have a look?
A.    Township residents are extremely happy to welcome you into their area. There are a    number of reasons for this:

•     People are proud to have survived apartheid, and enjoy the fact that visitors are now also interested in their history and stories.

•   People see township tours in a symbolic light in that they are pleased to see the areas taking a rightful place in the cities attractions

• Township tours symbolise change, as previously very few white people went into townships

• People understand that tourism brings benefits, and Calabash Tours has established many ways for communities to benefit

• Tourism brings job and income producing opportunities.

Q.    Who guides the township tour?
A.    Calabash Tours has a number of tour guides from the township community.  All our guides are trained and accredited in terms of the Tourism Act of 1996. Most of our guides were previously unemployed.  Your tour is conducted by a local. Our guides are full time, empowered employees, they share the ethical philosophy of our company, and so regardless which guide you have, the content is always well researched and expertly delivered.

Q.    Who Benefits from Township Tours?
A.    Calabash Tours is a commercial company with a very strong social agenda.
Every tour taken to the townships benefits the local community through services rendered. These services are provided either by community projects or black owned township businesses and are NOT payable by the visitor, but are included in the tour price. In addition, we established the Calabash Trust in 2000. It’s a dedicated, enterprising NGO that serves the needs of the communities.

Q.  Is it safe to go to the township?
A.   Calabash Tours has been doing tours since 1997, and has a simple philosophy – to be welcome wherever we go. We are well known in the township community and since our inception have transported thousands of visitors without incident.

Q.  Will I meet local people?
A.   Yes you will. While the tour covers an extensive area, we do get out of the vehicle 
and take walks in some areas. You are ensured the opportunity to meet local people
at the community projects as well.

Q. What is Calabash Trust?
A.  Started in 2000, Calabash trust is a registered Not for Profit developmental NGO. It has its own staff of development practitioners and administrators. It raises money through traveller’s philanthropy, and runs a number of school and pre-school focussed programmes.