Beyond the Horizon: Turning Tourism into Township Transformation with Vuyokazi Kitsi
Meet Vuyokazi Kitsi, the Bitou entrepreneur proving that the true value of a destination lies in its people.
Plett is famous for its natural beauty, kilometres of hiking trails and unparalleled marine attractions, however, there’s much more to the town than meets the eye. For Vuyokazi Kitsi, a lifelong resident of the Bitou area, the true heart of Plett lies in its vibrant community, and she has built a groundbreaking business dedicated to sharing just that.
“I’ve always believed that people are the heartbeat of a place, and that every story, every small business, and every smile can create an experience that visitors will never forget,” says Kitsi. Born and raised in Plett, her journey through hospitality and community development instilled in her a singular vision: to connect international visitors with the real, diverse South African life thriving just beyond the main tourist routes.
Kitsi shared with Plett Tourism that she only truly grasped the power of tourism as an adult. “I saw how visitors were eager to experience the real Plettenberg Bay—not just the beaches and luxury lodges, but the township life, the culture, the food, and the people.” This realization led her to view tourism not just as a financial engine, but as a tool for upliftment, education, and unity.
In Kitsi’s view, Plett’s future lies in inclusive tourism. She envisions a time when cultural storytelling and local entrepreneurship are as highly valued as nature reserves. “When tourism benefits everyone, it becomes sustainable. That’s the direction we’re moving towards—an economy that truly belongs to all of Plett,” she says.
Kitsi has built an ecosystem of three interconnected enterprises towards realising her vision:
- Idinga Township Tours: More than just a guided walk, Idinga offers an immersive experience where visitors can walk, taste, listen, and connect with the community. Tours include local art, music, and storytelling, often concluding with a meal at their restaurant hub, Mila’s Kitchen.
- Mila’s Kitchen: This African-inspired café and restaurant blends traditional flavours with modern style, serving “flavourites” like the Tshisanyama Platter and Creamy Samp. It acts as a crucial community space for events, the arts and social impact.
- Bitou Youth Pioneers (BYP): The non-profit arm of the business, BYP, provides skills training, mentorship, and vital support to youth and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).
The beauty of this model is its direct feedback loop: “When people book a tour, eat at Mila’s Kitchen, or donate to BYP, they’re helping us build a stronger, more inclusive Plettenberg Bay.”
Recently, Kitsi, her partner Victoria Rowe, and selected Bitou Youth Pioneers took part in a groundbreaking workshop with Plett Art Residency’s Andree Bonthuys during Plett ARTS Festival. Workshopping with participants, land artist Andree led them to create their own artworks on Robberg 1 Beach aimed at putting them in touch with their own self images and states of mind. Kitsi says of the workshop: “Our installation reflected the theme of roots and renewal — how growth often starts from the ground up, much like how township tourism is growing from our grassroots community. It was an honour to collaborate and see how local stories can be told through art.”
Plett Tourism was fortunate to host Indinga Tours at this year’s World Travel Market Africa (WTMA) this year. Kitsi left deeply inspired, noting that the global stage has a powerful appetite for authentic, community-based experiences. “It was also a proud moment for Plett, seeing how our small town is making a big impact through innovation and inclusion,” she explains.
She concludes with the philosophy that drives her every day: “At Idinga, we believe tourism is more than travel—it’s transformation. Every visitor who steps into our township becomes part of our story.”
