WESSA Tourism Green Coast Summary Report 2018-2020

LUYANDA MATSOBOYI, 35 MDUMBI

AVUYILE NOMTHULO, 23 MDUMBI

LWANDO MANYEKE, 25 PORT ST JOHNS

MATHABO VELDMAN, 38 CHINTSA

“I managed to save R40 000 from my stipend. I saved R2000 every month and started to build 2 Rondawels for my backpackers and restaurant. I have learned a lot from TGC.” Luyanda was hosted by Mdumbi Backpackers and was incredibly disciplined about saving money in order to build two Rondawels which he is setting up as a Homestay. He also hopes to build a restaurant rondawel soon. He is looking forward to hosting visitors to Mdumbi.

“TGC gave me the skills necessary to seek employment, I am now employed and hoping to start my coffee shop business soon.” Avuyile is passionate about agro- ecology and has been volunteering at Transcape NPO to support agro- ecology projects in his community. Avuyile has developed a business plan for a coffee shop/cocktail bar that would overlook Mdumbi Beach. He also gained the confidence and skills need to secure a full-time position as community liaison officer for an electrification project in the area.

“I am now working for MSC cruises travelling the world. Thanks to TGC, the experience is the best ever.” Lwando was recruited via Harambee into a programme that resulted in employment with MSC working on cruise ships. Lwando gained valuable skills and experience through TGC which has seen him being rapidly promoted to front of house duties. Lwando has travelled all over the Mediterranean and the Arabian Sea. Experiencing the world in this way has broadened his perspective on life.

“TGC has helped me financially, because I managed to save money to open my fast food business. The entrepreneurship workshop also opened my eyes on the business side. Not everyone must be employed, you can be self-employed.” Mathabo has been working in the hospitality sector for many years but had a yearning to try something new. She managed to save enough money from her stipend to develop her business. She has opened a spaza shop and a fast food outlet in Chintsa and hopes to open a sit-down restaurant in the near future.

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