Plett Tourism's commitment to nurturing local talent has proven to be fertile ground. The community writer initiative, which provides a platform for aspiring local writers to share their unique perspectives and stories from across the Plett region has not only enriched the local tourism landscape but also contributed to launching the careers of several talented individuals.

This article celebrates the remarkable journeys of these community writers, highlighting the diverse paths they have forged and the invaluable skills they gained through their involvement with Plett Tourism… in their own wonderful words…

Working for ...more

Lee-Marque Jansen is a Marketing and Public Relations Manager at Stormsriver Adventures. He grew up in a close-knit Moravian settlement called Goesa. Lee-Marque shares a strong sentiment for strong women as he grew up surrounded by women. “Growing up in a home full of strong, remarkable women shaped my appreciation for the vital role women play in society while also instilling essential life skills, skills that my wonderful wife, Gailine, now expertly handles,” says Lee-Marque. Such values have helped to influence the kind of a man he is today. 

Lee-Marque is one of those people who are celebrated through their humble beginnings to becoming the youngest ...more

Mamzo needs no introduction, Ntomboxolo Mrhubathu, popularly known as Lokolose, is a public figure in the community of Plettenberg Bay. She is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, and a mother. Not only a mother figure to her own child but within the community of Kwano hence the name “Mamzo” this name she was given by members of the community as she has displayed a vibrant role in the lives of young people and has shown a lot of people a mother’s love.

Mamzo’s Corner was established in 2023 on the 23rd of September. The vision behind the establishment of Mamzo’s Corner was to develop the economy of the community, to create job opportunities and to ...more

“The future and sustainable outcomes rest on the involvement of indigenous and local communities, arresting the negative impact of climate change, habitat loss and biodiversity decline.” - Senior Chief Justin Barnardo of the Inqua Royal Sān and Khoekhoen Sovereign Aboriginal Autonomous Authority (IRSKSAAA).

Snr. Chief Justin Barnardo is the current leader of the Saul and Susannah Kamfer Royal House from the Historical Piesang Rivier Vallei Baai. Justin C. Barnardo was born and raised in the charming village of Kranshoek - in the Bitou Municipal ...more

The first thing I noticed as I walked into the Kwendalo Wellness Farm, is the beauty of the establishment. It really speaks to being “one with nature” and the calmness of the environment.

I sat down with Gift Lwazi who is the farm manager. Gift is Malawian born and moved to South Africa at a young age - purely out of love and passion for farming. He grew up farming with his father who had a piece of land in Malawi, but when his father passed away, he was then forced to make a decision to move to South Africa in 2010. Once again, farming was Gift’s way of making a living, making ends meet. 

“In 2010, I joined the wine ...more

Come on a dive into the world of women’s football and the story of Lidz Football Club. Discover the passion and talent of the club’s incredible young players. 

However, we can’t mention Lidz Football Club's journey without mentioning its forerunner, Plett Ladies Football Club. Before there was Lidz fc, there was Plett Ladies fc which myself and Lindiswa Zitshu played for. That was the first team to represent women's football in Plettenberg Bay. We won many league titles and went as far as playing in the Sasol League - which was then known to be a professional level of women's football. After many years of playing for Plett Ladies fc, ...more

Meet Breyton Dickson, a passionate tour guide who has travelled South Africa and across borders introducing destinations to enthusiastic travellers.

Breyton’s journey began in Plettenberg Bay Primary School, where he first learned about tour guiding as a career. His interest in travel and outdoor adventures blossomed during his high school years when he enrolled in a Tourism class. Born and raised in the picturesque Crags (Kurland), Breyton recognises the rich biodiversity and wild beauty that the area provides. I sat down with him to discuss his career in tourism and opportunities in this field for young ...more

I am at Surf Café to chat with Clayton Bischoff and Brendon Harker of Adopt-A-Surfer.

As we sit down, I can’t help but notice how the Surf Café is beautifully decorated by surfboards. It makes perfect sense that Clayton is the owner of Surf Café and founder of Adopt-A-Surfer: one could never question his passion for surfing. We started off the conversation with Clayton explaining where the inspiration came from to open the Adopt-A-Surfer foundation. ‘

’Back in 2006, the surf school was about four years old and at that stage we noticed a lot of kids hanging around the streets and getting up to no good, and it was evident that it was a problem that ...more

I am at the Tshisa Talent office to speak with a man who needs no introduction: he is a pioneer in the industry. I could not help complimenting Mnce on his outfit - as you can see - his dress code was giving off “African authentic style” - very stylish!

Some might know him as DJ Jazz TrainLive from his DJ years where he played African jazz at MCFM radio station. “Because I am a fan of African jazz, when the radio station was established I went to audition and I was taken on as one of the presenters. I hosted a jazz show on Sundays that was called the Jazz Train. From this, I realised I had developed a ...more

Nicole Jacobs is a 21-year-old from Kranshoek in Plett currently residing in Cape Town. She refers to herself as the “Griqua rider”, a truly proud member of the Griqua Nation.

One can attest to the growth of the Griqua people in terms of establishing themselves within society, like any other cultural background, it has not always been easy to settle with a sense of belonging, as Nicole explains: “It is important to celebrate the Kranshoek riders as without their history we would not have a future, the lessons that are learnt from the past gives us knowledge to go after new opportunities…” 

The Griqua Heritage Herd’s name comes from ...more

Feel the waves with the diverse art and culture of Plettenberg Bay, from beautiful views of the bay to music that speaks to the soul.

Connect with art in a different form that will take your breath away. A celebration of arts and culture to remember, and a first for Plettenberg Bay, Tshisa Talent kick-started their first-ever African Waves Arts Festival (AWAF) on the 7th of October during the tenth annual Plett ARTS Festival. Of course, the theme was everything art and African, offering three different staging venues with the aim of providing three different audiences with performances that they could relate to. And, mostly importantly, to entertain and AWAF ...more

Ten years ago, The Burnt Orange was to be found tucked away behind a water park in Plettenberg Bay. However, five years ago, they moved to Keurboomstrand and, according to co-owner Michelle Chant, the move has been a good one: “This location is good for business because a lot of tourists travelling between the Western Cape and Eastern Cape always make a stop here for a good meal.” says Michelle Chant.

Michelle and Gareth Gardiner are mother and son, and business partners. The inspiration for the business was Gareth, a well-travelled and qualified professional chef who is best known for his private chefing. He has ...more