Cultural tourism has become an increasingly popular buzzword in the South African tourism industry, but a Northern Cape small business owner has taken up the challenge and created a tourism operation that have capitalised on this growing global trend.  Born and raised in Kimberley’s Galeshewe township, Boitumelo Joy Phirisi has become a local authority on the culture and heritage of Northern Cape communities.

Phirisi is a qualified heritage practitioner, tourist guide and tour operator and has combined his expertise in these areas to create his business Native Minds.  At the core of this niche SMME is the recording of the oral history of some of the most disadvantaged communities in the Northern Cape.  In 2009, Native Minds received a commission from the Sol Plaatjes municipality to research and record the history of Galeshewe and to develop a business plan and specific tourism projects, specifically aimed at celebrating the proud heritage of the township with visitors to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

Capturing the history of these communities not only leads to social cohesion, but also helps to promote them as cultural tourism destinations through its tourism subsidiary Native Tours. Phirisi aims to replicate his successes by developing well-informed individuals with a knowledge of their roots, history and heritage that can be used to stimulate growth in their local economies through tourism.  Native Minds offer oral history research and documentation, heritage practises, creative tourism concepts, outdoor advertising and team-building exercises.

Native Minds recently purchased a historical property in Galeshewe that will house the Kgosi Galeshewe Art Gallery where exhibitions, cultural programmes, story-telling and puppet shows will be presented.  It will also be the starting point for general and guided tours that include cycling tours, pony rides, guided walks, road trips and even quad-biking.

Native Minds provide visitors to the Northern Cape with an authentic tourism experience, including guided trips to significant historical sites, meaningful cultural interaction with local communities and also take care of accommodation and travel arrangements.

According to Sharron Lewis, CEO of the Northern Cape Tourism Authority, entrepreneurs like Phirisi are helping the province to achieve its rural tourism strategy goals.  “Local knowledge combined with expert qualifications combine to form a sustainable business and also helps to create unforgettable holiday experiences for our visitors.  Native Minds promises cultural experiences with an ethnic touch and that is exactly what visitors are looking for when selecting a holiday destination,” explains Lewis.

For more information, visit www.experiencenortherncape.com.