The Future of Homestays: A Journey of Purpose and Possibility with Linda Kwatsha
Friday, 25th April 2025
There’s a quiet but powerful shift happening in the world of travel—and it’s happening right here in Makhanda. More locals are opening their doors, not just to guests, but to opportunity. For Linda Kwatsha, becoming a homestay host has done more than create income—it has awakened purpose.
Linda grew up in Soweto and later studied Business Computing in East London, but it’s in Makhanda where her story truly begins to flourish. With a heart for hospitality and a love for everything home-related—cooking, cleaning, and decorating—Linda found joy in creating warm spaces long before she even heard the term “homestay.”
“I used to invite my church peers over for dinner, and I’d find so much fulfillment when they enjoyed my food and felt at home,” she shares. That natural passion for hosting laid the perfect foundation for her to transition into the homestay business.
Today, Linda runs her homestay with pride and care. Her attention to detail, her warm personality, and her love for people shine through in everything she does. “I’ve never faced any real challenges in this business,” she says. “It fits who I am. I enjoy it every day.”
But Linda doesn’t stop at comfort zones. She sees this platform as a stepping stone for growth. “I’d love to improve in baking and home décor, especially matching colors better. These are skills I know can enhance the experience I offer.”
By joining the Homestay group, Linda is gaining more than just business skills—she’s building a network. “It’s helping me improve my customer service and connect with others who share the same journey,” she says.
Her story is an invitation to others: Homestays aren’t just for tourists—they’re for locals who want to grow, to share, and to thrive. They allow people to turn their homes into assets, their talents into income, and their love for community into something powerful.
The future of homestays in Makhanda isn’t just about travel—it’s about transformation. And it starts with locals like Linda who are leading the way, one guest at a time.
