Uthando Tour Review: A Responsible Way to Explore Cape Town’s Townships

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There are many places in the world where tourists can take “slum tours.” In Brazil, these are called favela tours, and in South Africa, they are known as township tours. I didn’t do a favela tour when I was in Brazil, nor did I take a township tour the last time I visited Cape Town. I’m generally skeptical of such tours.

If the only purpose of the tour is to take tourists to slums so they can gawk at the locals, treating them like animals in a zoo, I believe it’s best to avoid them. That’s why, when I returned to Cape Town, I did a lot of research and chose to take the Uthando tour.

I’ve traveled extensively across Africa, witnessing both poverty and slums, but also meeting incredible people living in these areas. For example, in Comoros, a local girl kindly let me stay in her house (and yes, some might call it a slum) for my first night.

Many tourists visiting Cape Town only see the posh side: the waterfront, luxury hotels, etc., while the majority of the population in Cape Town lives in townships. Many of these tourists have never encountered real poverty and may not understand South Africa’s complex history.

So what are townships?

Townships are underdeveloped areas where non-white South Africans were forced to live during apartheid. Apartheid, which lasted from 1948 to 1991, was a system of racial segregation and discrimination in South Africa. Separate townships were established for black people, colored people, and Indians. Even today, many suburbs remain divided, with white people predominantly living in the suburbs, and you’ll rarely see white people in townships—unless they are visiting.

Township tours can be educational and eye-opening, especially for people from Western countries. However, it’s essential to choose a responsible tour company. I highly recommend Uthando Cape Town. To better explain what Uthando is all about, here’s a quote from their website:

Uthando (Love) South Africa offers authentic, uplifting, fun, inspirational, interactive and meaningful tours for FIT (individual) travellers as well as groups of any size visiting the community projects with which Uthando is working and supporting.

The Uthando Tour covers an extensive discussion on South African history, the legacy of Apartheid as well as in-depth information on the political, social, economic, cultural and local issues confronting South Africa today. The core focus of the tour, however, is visiting interesting, innovative and inspiring community development projects and the incredible people driving these projects. We shine a light on the good work being done by so many good people, and at the same time help these wonderful individuals to continue with their efforts.

Uthando is Fair Trade in Tourism certified, which makes it a responsible way to experience the townships. They don’t take you into private homes but instead showcase community development projects. These initiatives are started by the local community, and Uthando helps them raise funds.

Uthando Tour Review – The Projects We Visited

During my Uthando tour in Cape Town, we visited five community projects in three different townships: two kindergartens, the Macassar pottery project, Ekhaya Ekasi, and the Sinovuyo Old Age Group.

Isiseko Educare Centre

The first kindergarten we visited was Isiseko Educare Centre in Mfuleni township. Uthando had helped raise money for this almost brand-new building. The principal showed me around and explained the important work they’re doing there.

Macassar Pottery

Our next stop was Macassar Pottery, located in a colored people’s township. This pottery is much more than just a craft-making space; it’s a place for local people to open up and heal from past trauma. I spoke with John Ross, who explained the history of Macassar and the significance of the pottery. He told me there are three survival paths in the township: 1. Join a gang. 2. Go to jail or get killed. 3. Become self-sustaining.

The pottery helps people in the township change their mindset, let go of anger, and work towards becoming self-sufficient. Macassar pottery was definitely the most eye-opening and impactful stop during the tour!

Ekhaya Ekasi 

We then headed to Khayelitsha, Cape Town’s largest township. The first place we visited there was Ekhaya Ekasi, a multi-purpose community center focused on art and education, run by local women. There was a small shop where you could purchase handmade crafts to support their programs. I bought a small magnet and received a bracelet as a gift from Uthando.

Thokozani Youth Centre

Next, we visited another kindergarten to see the difference between the new and the old buildings. This center is still looking for funding, and Uthando is working to help raise money to build a new facility for the children. They are also hoping to get internet access as they have a small computer room, but affordable options are hard to find due to the challenges of providing internet in some townships.

Sinovuyo Old Age Group

The final stop was Sinovuyo Old Age Group, a community space that offers seniors a safe place to gather, socialize, and do activities. I had seen small gardens at other locations, but this one was the largest, stretching almost all the way around the building!

Why You Should Do an Uthando Township Tour in Cape Town

If you’re visiting Cape Town, a tour with Uthando is a must. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s history and the current conditions in the townships, all while supporting valuable community projects. By choosing an Uthando tour, you’ll be helping these communities and experiencing an authentic side of Cape Town that many tourists never see.

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