MAKANA TOURISM HOSTS TRAINING SESSION TO EMPOWER HOMESTAY OPERATORS
Friday, 28th March 2025
The Makana Homestay Project started its training on Monday, 17th March 2025. This initiative comprises a strong group of women, most of whom are pensioners. Since many of them are elderly, they sent representatives—individuals who assist them in running their homestays.
"I worked as a clerk at Settlers Hospital for so many years and then retired in 2021. While I was renovating my house, someone advised me to join the homestay programme. That is when I became part of this journey," shared Boniselwa Tafane. Another homestay operator reflected on her experience: "By profession, I am a teacher, but I decided to join network marketing. I started with Avon and Table Charm. Years back, I joined Kwam eMakana while still residing in Ext 4."
Makana Tourism recently hosted an insightful training session aimed at boosting the operations of homestay operators in the area. The event, attended by various local entrepreneurs, featured expert guest speakers, including Councillor Mzobanzi Nkwentsha, the Portfolio Chairperson of Makana LED & Planning Committee; Councillor Rami Xonxa, who serves on the board of the Albany History Museum and is also a member of the Makana LED & Planning Committee; and Councillor Luvuyo Sizani. The session focused on addressing key challenges faced by homestay operators, such as high commercial business rates, limited land for expansion, and difficulties in accessing funding.
Councillor Nkwentsha opened the training session with a Q&A, offering valuable advice on how entrepreneurs can navigate these barriers while seizing new opportunities. "As business owners, it's essential to be proactive and to recognize the opportunities that can drive growth, especially in the hospitality sector," Nkwentsha stated.
Councillor Xonxa, a key advocate for township businesses, shared his journey and how he pushed for the inclusion of townships in the National Arts Festival (NAF) to benefit local entrepreneurs. His efforts resulted in the creation of the Kwam eMakana homestay initiative, which marked a turning point in hospitality for the region. He emphasized the importance of marketing and being persistent in seeking business opportunities, even within local community events like those hosted by the Methodist Church.
“Hospitality is a great business—always market yourself and never stop looking for opportunities,” Xonxa advised the audience.
On day two of the training, Councillor Luvuyo Sizani discussed the theme "Creating Wealth in the Township." He highlighted the barriers entrepreneurs face, particularly the challenges of limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and gender bias. Sizani shared his own experience of struggling to secure funding in the early stages of his business and urged homestay operators to look for support from local institutions such as Rhodes University, which faces accommodation challenges.
“Use social media to market your business and find a mentor who can help you navigate the entrepreneurial journey,” Sizani advised.
The training session also emphasized the importance of personalized service in the homestay business. A guest shared a testimonial about Faith, a homestay operator, who went above and beyond to make guests feel special by providing African attire and personalized care. “Even with just two guests, you must ensure they feel special,” Faith emphasized, showing how small gestures can lead to lasting impressions and repeat customers.
Despite the various challenges presented during the session, the overall message was one of hope, resilience, and the importance of collaboration. The event empowered homestay operators to think strategically about how they can expand their businesses, improve service delivery, and leverage available resources.
With the support of Makana Tourism, these operators are now better equipped to grow their businesses, enhance the local tourism sector, and contribute to the ongoing development of the township economy.
