Africa Travel WeekAnita Hermanus, owner of Aunty Nita’s Tours, dreamt of showcasing her homeland. The tour company offers guests an opportunity to explore the road less travelled, from the Cape Flats to Table Mountain. This tour company will put together unique tours from the perspective of someone that has grown up in the area.
Q&A with Anita Hermanus
How did the idea for your business come about?
I’m from Grassy Park on the Cape Flats and have always had a desire to showcase and change the narrative around the Coloured people of Cape Town. I crafted out unique experiences which allow the guest to explore and experience the warmth and depth of culture, food and hospitality available in our areas. Where else can you enjoy a Gatsby or the passion gap, in its purest form, than on the Cape Flats?
How did you come up with the name for your company/experience?
I’m Anita, an aunty who lives on the Cape Flats. Any woman who isn’t your mom or your grandmother, is your aunty on the Cape Flats!
Who is your ideal customer and why?
A tourist interested in another perspective or aspect of our culture, for example, Europeans or Americans.
Why do you offer the very best experience/product for your customers?
I’m from the Cape Flats and I have partnered with organisations and fellow service providers with integrity who share the objective of changing the narrative.
What is your greatest hope for your business?
To become recognised as a professional operation, providing excellent service, giving a true, but different perspective to the Mother City.
What has been the most satisfying achievement in your business?
Doing my first Cape Flats tour and seeing people appreciate our culture with all its quirks!
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs who want to get into tourism?
Network, network, network! Just go out and do it! Look for the positive!
If you could have a do-over, what would you do differently?
I’d start earlier!
