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PRIDE NOT POVERTY TOUR
“Meet the People”
VERSUS
THE STANDARD TOWNSHIP TOUR

As a tour operator we were told by SAPS (SA Police) that we should not really go into the townships as it was perceived that, as non-residents of townships, we were taking away the business opportunities from the locals. Our safety could not be guaranteed and needing an adapted vehicle for starters the “locals” could not do the tour. So with all this information we opted not to do the local Cape Town township tour.

I looked around for something else, for loss of a better word, a little more dignified, where the people could show their pride rather than play on your feelings of guilt and see their poverty. I then met a young man with vision and a dream – Jauckie Viljoen. The fact that he lives in Mossel Bay, the town where I grew up and which will always be close to my heart due to a wonderful childhood there, was even better. The tour is conducted in the area of Mossel Bay, Little Brak River and Great Brak River on the Garden Route. Some of these areas have such high rates of unemployment that promoting the community and highlighting their plight is a plus.

So we did a “Meet the People” tour and got to know some fascinating characters on this reconnaissance. I also had to see how wheelchair friendly it was and how we could accommodate guests with other disabilities and how our mature and discerning guests would like it – it went down a storm with everyone I have taken there.

One person on this “Meeting” stands out as the person who has grown the most from meeting and interacting with people from different walks of life around the world.

His name is Janneman. He is a carpenter by trade, but after an accident which left him paraplegic, he could not work as before and his confidence was totally shattered and he felt that he was “lost” to the world, where an income makes the difference between poverty and putting a meal on the table of his family. 

When I first met this gentle man – note that I split the word – he was shy, felt worthless and useless and would not even look you in the eye. With a lot of encouragement from Jauckie and some help from the local Rotarians, I am very pleased to say, Janneman is a changed man, he has found Pride over potential  Poverty. He now makes hand stitched leather bags. His smile is broad and welcoming, his small workshop fully accessible for wheelchairs and all other disabilities, all other types of visitor’s in fact, and they have such a warm feeling of friendship and almost awe after listening to Jauckie explain the whole story before arriving to meet this gentleman whose life has been turned around.

This is just one of the many people we meet, when “Meeting the People” on this DIFFERENT type of tour, which includes lunch in the township, meeting a lady who runs an “alcohol free” shebeen and kiddies playground. Also a lady that uses herbs grown in her garden, to make a refreshing tea. A gentleman who roasts coffee beans and the smells emanating from his roastery is wonderful as those with sensory disabilities such as sight impairment can smell and feel the tree he has potted in the entrance, as well as feel the beans, also hear the popping of the beans as they are roasted. Many other interesting people on this tour, not all in townships, a mix of all our wonderful cultures and peoples who make up the face of South Africa – we welcome you to send you guests and have them experience this wonderful “Pride over Poverty” tour which leaves you feeling that you have done something special, rather than feeling guilty and embarrassed.

Written by:

PAM TAYLOR
FLAMINGO TOURS & DISABLED VENTURES
CAPE TOWN - SOUTH AFRICA
PH + 27 21 557 4496 - FAX - + 27 21 556  5853.
E-MAIL - info@flamingotours.co.za
2nd email - flamtour@iafrica.com
WEB - www.flamingotours.co.za
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SUPPORTING EARTH HOUR ON 28TH MARCH 2009 - PLEASE DO THE SAME!!!

UK visitors on Meet the People tour

The new, safe and bigger home built for ten disabled children from Joe Slovo to go to during the day. Funds were raised by the Ipswich Rotary Glub in the UK and build by Jay De Moore from JDN Building Projects (second from right) and other local businesses. Richard Mellors from Back Road Safaris' Meet the People tour and Johannes are also seen in this photo.

Visitors from the UK went on a "Meet the People" tour in Mossel Bay. Whilst on the tour they visited a little home in Joe Slovo where parents take their disabled children for day-care.

A need for more space was apparent and the UK visitors decided to help them. Robert Wade from the Ipswich Rotary Club worked with his Rotary colleagues to raise the funds needed to build a new, safe and bigger home for the ten disabled children to go to during the day.

The Ipswich Rotary Club worked together with Dr Debra Willoughby from the UK, who resides in Mossel Bay a certain time of the year, and is a founder of the charity "Meet the People Cares" which helps people benefit from sustainable tourism.

Once the money had been raised, local builder and businessman, Jay De Moore from JDM Building Projects got involved by building the house at no cost.

The following local businesses showed their support towards the project by helping
with the supply of materials for the new building: Rheebok Stene; Moss Hire:
Kleinberg Saagmeule; Transand; and Steyn Broers.

Jay and Johan Human from JDM Building Projects kept the ball running for the fundraisers in the UK and within three months the new and bigger home had been put up. Fundraisers, including Brenda Brodie, were also able to collect enough money to buy two wheelchairs, toys, a television and bunk-beds for the new home.

The next phase will be to tile the floor, paint the building and develop the toilet facilities. Anyone who would like to get involved with the project can contact Richard Mellors at 074 540 6443.