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Pioneers to progress
Pioneers to progress
Responsible tourism and volunteering
South Africa offers a wealth of voluntourism and responsible tourism programmes – the best of which are governed by standards to ensure valuable, worthwhile exchanges.
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Responsible Tourism National Minimum Standards
Tourism in South Africa has reached a new level of maturity now that Government and stakeholders have launched the National Minimum Standards for Responsible Tourism.
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Responsible Tourism Cape Town
Cape Town has been recognised as one of the world’s best responsible tourism destinations. A sustainable city is a great place to inhabit and visit.
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Sustainable tourism
In South Africa it is possible to have fun and change lives for the better at the same time through sustainable tourism
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Souvenirs in the Free State
1Traditional Basotho hat
Visit the Basotho Cultural Village in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park and take away a conical straw Basotho hat (and traditional blanket) from its excellent craft market.
2Hand-woven mohair rugs
Buy fashion rugs of exceptional quality inspired by the culture of the Sotho people. Look for these Maluti Kingdom Weavers’ rugs in the Phutaditjhaba area.
3Art from Clarens
Peruse the many art galleries around Clarens (about twenty) and find landscape paintings, soulful black and white photographs and stationery with regional themes.
4Sheepskin products
The Free State is sheep country so look out for quality sheepskin products like slippers, gloves and jackets in the local arts and crafts stores.
5Witblits or ‘white lightning’
This is a local brew – ‘moonshine’ if you will – that is lethally strong. Available at local liquor outlets, country markets and flea market stalls. You have been warned!
6Beaded candles
Buy exquisite hand-made candles created by rural women, each candle is a work of art and something unique from this part of the world.
7Wire art toy cars
For more than a decade now Free State crafters have been producing handmade toy wire cars; models include the Jeep Wrangler, Freelander, Mercedes and various 4x4s. Buy these at craft markets or on the side of the road.
8Ficksburg preserves
Famous for its cherry festival in November, Ficksburg is the place to buy cherries, cherry jams and preserves. Available at delis and home industry shops.
9Beaded cutlery
Teaspoons, forks, knives and spoons with wire art trimmings and colourful bead touches are unique. Other beaded products include key rings, fridge magnets and home décor items.
10Tsa Lapeng Crafts
From exquisite 100% cotton jerseys to playful crocheted brooches, hats and bags, the Tsa Lapeng crafts, all hand-made by local women, are available in the craft shops in Harrismith.
