Step into Makhanda's Heart at Nomakhwezi Beja's Welcoming Homestay
Friday, 15th August 2025
Imagine arriving in Makhanda, the air buzzing with festival energy or the quiet charm of its historic streets, and being welcomed into a home that feels like family. That’s what you get with Nomakhwezi Beja, a homestay host whose passion for her community makes every stay unforgettable. “In actuality, this is a field that has attracted me a lot because it involves traveling, leisure, business, and other purposes. I am proud to say that this is a place to settle,” she says, her voice warm like a sunny Makhanda afternoon. You can hear her smile as she talks about why she loves sharing her home with visitors—it’s not just a place to sleep, but a way to share the soul of her town.
What keeps Nomakhwezi going is her love for bringing people together. “The most important aspects are community development and community involvement,” she shares, her words brimming with pride. Her homestay is a hub where guests sip tea, swap stories, and dive into Makhanda’s vibrant culture—think local crafts, music, and the buzz of the National Arts Festival. She’s not just hosting; she’s creating jobs and lifting up her neighbors. “My work has contributed to economic growth through revenue generation and job creation. I managed to extend my hand for curbing unemployment by employing two members to assist during Arts Festival,” she explains. She gives a shout-out to the local tourism board, too: “I am applauding our tourism centre in Makhanda for its fair engagement with us. Makana Tourism can encourage the preservation and celebrations of cultural heritage, including historical sites, traditions, and local arts and crafts.” It’s clear she’s all about keeping Makhanda’s traditions alive, from beaded crafts to storytelling under the stars.
This Women’s Month, with its theme of “The Urgency to Achieving Gender Equality and Empowering Women and Girls,” Nomakhwezi’s story hits home. “I fully agree because I saw a lot of women leading in front. This really proves the archiving of gender equality but promoting empowerment of women and girls of Makana Region,” she says, her tone full of hope and sisterhood. She’s faced challenges with a can-do attitude: “For now, I had no seriousness of challenges because I managed to cope with everything. What is left is improvements for next time.” That’s Nomakhwezi—always looking forward, ready to make things even better.
Her message to young women in Makhanda is like a warm hug with a nudge to get moving: “My message to all Makana Region women and girls: ‘Vuka uzenzele’,” she says, quoting former President Thabo Mbeki’s call to “wake up and do it for yourself” in isiXhosa. It’s a reminder to chase your dreams, and she adds, “Lastly, Makana Tourism: Keep up the good work.” Her enthusiasm is contagious, making you want to pack your bags and book a stay.
Come to Nomakhwezi’s homestay for a real taste of Makhanda—think home-cooked meals, laughter, and a front-row seat to the town’s cultural heartbeat. You’ll leave feeling like part of the community, inspired by a woman who’s making her town shine. Book your stay through Makana Tourism and let Nomakhwezi show you why Makhanda is a place to call home, even for a weekend.
For more information on booking a local homestay, contact Makana Tourism on 046 622 3241 or marketing@grahamstown.co.za
