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Are we ready?
By Nwabisa Msutwana-Stemela
With the 2010 World Cup in South Africa less than two years away, small
businesses and township B&Bs are gearing up for the big event.
Entrepreneurs have started renovating, roping in small businesses and
using the services of the unemployed.
The first B&B establishment set up in Khayelitsha in 1999, Vicky's
B&B, in Kiyane Street, Site C, will celebrate its 10th anniversary
in October and launch the business's new extension.
Vicky Ntozini already has extended her corrugated iron B&B once, turning
the building into a double-storey which now accommodates up to 12 guests.
"I have already received bookings for 2010," she said.
"Some of my guests have been referred by tour operators and by previous
guests.
"Some of the visitors will not be here to attend the matches but
to explore South Africa, especially Cape Town, so I will not be competing
with hotels."
Ntozini has created employment opportunities for neighbours by using them
as tour guides, and she is to introduce donkey cart tours of the area.
Ntozini's vision is to have a big-screen television in the area so people
can watch the 2010 matches in community halls, because many will be unable
to buy tickets.
Beauty Ngcukayitobi, who runs a small sewing business nearby, says she
works hand in hand with Ntozini.
"She has allowed me to put my work outside her B&B, and when
she has large numbers of guests she hands them over to stay with me."
Outside Vicky's B&B are a variety of stalls where the owners showcase
their crafts.
The Kopanong B&B is decorated with a variety of flags from different
countries.
Owner Thope Lekau says: "I will definitely be doing renovations,
but I don't want to reveal what my plans are - so people should watch
this space."
Kopanong accommodates up to six guests. Lekau says she already has "lots
of bookings for 2010" and that prices will be determined by demand.
Traditional African food and homemade ginger beer is served at most B&Bs
in the townships.
One of the problems these entrepreneurs have encountered is when large
numbers of tourists arrive who do not want to be split between different
establishments.
Funding also is a worry because they have not received any assistance
from the government.
The Tourism Grading Council of SA will visit B&Bs to grade and advise
them on improvements.
Despite the lack of help from the government, Lekau urged communities
to "wake up and do things for themselves".
int.iol.co.za,
September 14 2008
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