The quiet rural landscape of Shabalala Trust near Hazyview is buzzing with activity, thanks to a steady stream of international tourists eager to experience the authentic lifestyle of the locals.

This influx of visitors not only offers unique cultural experiences but is also proving to be a sustainable economic boost for the community.

The Shabalala Interpretation of Culture Centre, founded by Goodman Nkosi, facilitates the popular Kasi Tour.

Nkosi and the community are deeply grateful for the international attention, which has firmly placed their corner of rural South Africa on the global tourism map.

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While international visitors are keeping the sector thriving, Nkosi is also urging South Africans to explore their own heritage.

“We are grateful for international tourism; however, we are calling on locals to explore their own area so they can tell their own stories. Understanding and appreciating one’s own culture and history is vital, and the treasures of Shabalala Trust are waiting to be discovered by its own countrymen,” he said.

Nkosi said the tours are far more than typical sightseeing. Tourists are treated to a hands-on cultural immersion into the daily lives of Shabalala residents.

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He described the experience as a feast for the senses and the mind:
• Local indigenous cuisine: Enjoy authentic, traditional meals often prepared in residents’ homes, offering a true taste of the region.
• Daily life and livelihoods: Discover the routines of contemporary residents and gain insight into how people lived in earlier times.
• Traditional activities: Take part in hands-on experiences like milking and herding cows and goats, connecting directly with the area’s agricultural heritage.
• Traditional dance: Enjoy a night of traditional beer and lively dance performances.

According to Nkosi, the economic benefit of this type of tourism is tangible and widespread.

The community has created a virtuous cycle where residents are directly involved and compensated: homeowners are paid for cooking meals and explaining their livelihoods, while many others benefit as tourists eagerly buy their products.

“In return, the residents have collectively taken on the responsibility of ensuring tourists’ safety. This economic gain for the community, combined with a safe and authentic experience for visitors, is the foundation of the sustainable model taking root in Shabalala Trust,” Nkosi said.

He added that the success of the Kasi Tour is a powerful example of how community-led cultural tourism can create sustainable livelihoods for rural areas while preserving and showcasing a rich heritage.

It is a story of local pride, global engagement, and a powerful invitation to experience the true heart of rural Hazyview.