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Social upliftment

Read about Social upliftment

South African social upliftment

It's a whole shift in tourism, and South Africa is pioneering a new way. The benefits on the ground are life-changing for all concerned.

Community tourism projects

South African community tourism projects enable the enlightened traveller to have an amazing holiday while changing the way they see the world.

Mandela Day asks you to make a difference

Nelson Mandela's humanitarian projects

Nelson Mandela's influence on society didn't stop when he announced his retirement from politics in 2004 – his legacy and actions continue inspiring millions across the globe.

Bicycle repair in Masiphumelele township.

The Masiphumelele township

South Africa's Cape Peninsula is known for its scenic beauty. But the benefits visitors can bring to the townships are even more heart-warming.

More about Social upliftment

Teaching sculpture in Limpopo

Fair Trade in Tourism extends to promoting indigenous knowledge, art skills and botanical expertise, as this mountain reserve in the Soutpansberg, Limpopo Province, has proved.

Tsitsikamma's Stormsriver Adventures

Stormsriver Adventures helped local women set up a restaurant, and every toasted sandwich you order here goes towards lifting previously disempowered people out of poverty.

Uniondale upliftment project

From leather crafting to fine furniture making, from sewing quilts, to growing aloes to running a tourism info office, the social upliftment projects in Uniondale are gathering fame.

Saartjie Baartman Hankey upliftment

Hankey, a small town on the fringe of the Baviaanskloof Mega-reserve in the Eastern Cape, is the birthplace of the 'Hottentot Venus' - Saartjie Baartman.

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Saartjie Baartman's grave overlooks Hankey's upliftment

Uniondale's upliftment project has revived the Royal Hotel.

Treetop canopy tour, Stormsriver Adventures, Tsitsikamma

Teaching sculpture in Limpopo's Leshiba wilderness.

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Places to People-Watch

Townships, countrywide

For too long, our townships were the ‘other side’ of South Africa. Now they’re the vibrant heart of our country – a blend of tradition, ambition and joie de vivre that will amaze you - watch democracy evolve before your eyes.
V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape

See if you can spot the locals amid the hordes of tourists and the international jet set. If the entire world’s a stage then pick a front row seat beside the water and watch the curtain go up at South Africa’s most popular attraction.
Sporting Events, countrywide

Guts, glory and that’s just the spectators! There’s nothing like a major sporting event to bring out the performer in us. A Blue Bulls vs. Sharks rugby match, or a Premier League Soccer derby – witness ubuntu in action.
Florida Road, Durban

This is where Durban’s party set hangs out after dark. Grab a seat at a trendy pavement café and watch the show.
Newtown, Johannesburg

Watch the cultural creatives and the cognoscenti of the Jozi nightlife scene come out to play - poets, posers, muso’s and trendy night owls doing their thing ‘till daybreak.
Long Street, Cape Town

Bohemian Long Street lets it all hang out. Well, not literally – rather head for Sandy Bay then, but this is where Cape Town’s alternative thinkers and die-hard party animals converge to ‘do life’
Durban Beachfront, KwaZulu-Natal

Mix it up with rickshaw drivers, surfers, hawkers, sun seekers and everyone in between. The interaction between the melting pot of cultures that makes Durban is fascinating.
The Boardwalk Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape

Cruise the ‘friendly city's' boardwalk and watch South African’s - being South African.
Hatfield, Pretoria, Gauteng

Where the hot and happening crowd of our stately capital city go to let rip. See students, socialites and anyone else in search of a creative blow valve here - no-one minds how you have a good time in this alternative-thinking city.
Grahamstown Festival, Eastern Cape

Simply anything goes during festival season, chill at outdoor café and watch street theatre in its purest form. Guarantees are – you definitely won’t be bored.