„Ngiwu ambe umhlaba wonk ba, Ngaze ngaba tabela ngo sizi ebesinalo, Silubonile
nosizo Iwabe zizwe, Sithi enkosi, enkosi siyanbonga, rea leboha“ (Miriam
Makeba, „Masakhane“, 1998) In her Xhosa-song, Miriam Makeba addresses the Southafrican population to
build a new Southafrica. One that consists of a diversity of cultures which together shall
secure hope and future for all in the post-Apartheid era. Even if Southafrica is still miles
away from a future for all, more and more (especially black) Southafricans are becoming
more conscious of their own heritage and a history apart from the Apartheid. Those
Southafricans reach for a life without unemployment and discrimination and have
realized that they can only put this into reality through own work and strong will.
Although this process is only starting, those Southafricans represent a new Southafrica
and an awakened Southafrican identity. However, this growing pride needs to be treated
carefully; otherwise the façade of beautiful multi-culturalis m will only be a shield for
hiding the global, meaning the western American, culture. This would not only ridicule
the different Southafrican identities but also further the gap between rich and poor as
being decreed by nature.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Cultural Tourism
3. Southafrica
3.1. Demographics
3.2. Development of Townships
3.3. Today’s situation
4. Township Tours
4.1. Problems with Township Tours
4.2. Benefits from Township Tours
5. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the role of cultural tourism in South Africa, specifically focusing on the controversial practice of township tours. The central research objective is to analyze whether these tours can serve as a sustainable tool for economic development and identity construction in post-Apartheid South Africa, while addressing the ethical complexities and social challenges inherent in commodifying poverty for tourism purposes.
- Historical development of South African townships and their socio-economic context.
- The intersection of cultural tourism, identity formation, and the "authentic" experience.
- Economic and social impacts of township tours on local communities.
- Ethical considerations regarding the visibility of poverty and crime within the tourism sector.
- The potential for sustainable development through community-led tourism initiatives.
Excerpt from the Book
4. Township Tours
Since 1994 cultural tourism in Southafrica took a new turn towards the, until that time blots on the Southafrican landscape, Townships. The tours are usually one-day tours aimed at national and international tourists to draw them closer to the situation and way of life in a Township. The tours were originally founded by blacks themselves trying to promote an understanding of Townships but also for re-channeling money - away from the white enclaves into Townships. A tour usually takes 4 hours and consists of: a transfer with minibusses to at least three different Townships, a guide who most often also lives in one of the Townships, a visit of a men’s hostel (former accomodation for black men from the Transkei that were forced to earn money during the week in the big cities), a visit of a shebeen – a bar where one can taste the typical Township beer, a visit of a shaman pharmacy (the black population of Southafrica strongly believes in their own healers and consults one before choosing to use western medicin), a visit of a weekly market, and a visit of an arts and crafts market or performing arts center.
The tourists are at any time able to communicate freely with the Township inhabitants. This kind of tour expects from both the tourist agent and the tourists a high degree of sensitivity. One tour costs between 150 to 200 Rand depending on the tour operator. Thulisile Khumalo, herself owner of the tour agent “Atamela” that also provides Township tours to tourists could signify an increase in demand of 10%. “In the high season we drive up to 250 tourists per day in the Townships. And all come back enthusiastic even if most of them start the tour in doubt.”
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter highlights the emergence of an awakened South African identity in the post-Apartheid era and introduces the necessity of balancing pride with caution against global cultural homogenization.
2. Cultural Tourism: The chapter explores the theoretical tensions in cultural tourism, specifically the search for "authenticity" and the problematic paradox where tourism often promotes stereotypical images of non-modern societies.
3. Southafrica: This section provides a socio-demographic overview of South Africa and details the historical legislation that led to the creation of townships and the current ongoing economic and social struggles.
4. Township Tours: The chapter examines the practical operation of township tours, weighing the ethical dilemmas of "visiting poverty" against the potential for economic support and community empowerment.
5. Conclusion: The paper concludes that sustainable cultural tourism, if managed correctly, offers a viable path for South Africa to foster a new national identity and mitigate the impacts of unemployment and poverty.
Keywords
South Africa, Township Tours, Cultural Tourism, Apartheid, Post-Apartheid Era, Authenticity, Identity, Sustainable Tourism, Socio-economic Development, Poverty, Community Empowerment, Ethics, Globalization, Cultural Heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper focuses on the dynamics of cultural tourism in South Africa, analyzing the specific phenomenon of township tours in the context of the country's social and economic challenges.
What are the central themes discussed in this work?
The central themes include the historical background of South African townships, the ethics of cultural consumption, the construction of national identity, and the economic impacts of tourism on marginalized communities.
What is the core research goal?
The goal is to determine if township tourism can be a constructive, sustainable force for social development rather than just an exploitative practice.
Which scientific approach does the author use?
The author uses a qualitative approach, combining historical and socio-economic analysis with primary insights from interviews with local tour operators.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the demographics of South Africa, the history of land division (Native Land Act), current economic struggles like unemployment, and the operational structure and impacts of township tours.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include South Africa, Township Tours, Cultural Tourism, Post-Apartheid Era, and Community Empowerment.
How does the author view the "authenticity" of township tours?
The author presents authenticity as a complex, fluid concept, noting that while tourism may sometimes be artificial, it also serves as a vehicle for locals to rediscover and express their own heritage.
What danger does the author associate with township tours?
The primary dangers identified are the ethical concerns regarding the exploitation of poverty and the potential for increased social tensions and safety issues within the townships.
- Citation du texte
- Dajana Trapp (Auteur), 2003, Township Tours in Southafrica, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/30845
