Dear Africa Friends
We gratefully look back on a year in which we were once again able to witness many of you enthusiastically embark on tailormade journeys throughout the African continent! Not only to South Africa and Namibia, but many unforgettable African Moments were enjoyed on trips to Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Uganda, Mauritius, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zanzibar. How wonderful this sense of freedom is, after the long period of the pandemic, for both travellers and the Tourism industry alike!
At this time of year, several of you will be packing your bags to experience the Festive Season in unique African style! Instead of the winter cold and snow, you will be enjoying the summer heat on safari or visiting pristine beaches, whilst enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals, who look forward to welcoming you! The singer-songwriter David Watkyns captures this unique spirit with his charming “Christmas in Cape Town” song. Listen and let yourself be inspired to travel to this part of the world in 2023!
Thokazani “Rejoice” Together!
The Festive Season also means thinking of those who are less fortunate. This is why, together with your valuable donations, we are able to contribute to social projects that are really close to our hearts every year. Our partner Uthando, brought our attention to the inspiring Thokozani “Rejoice” Together project. Thokozani, (meaning “Rejoice” in isiXhosa), is a safe haven for at-risk street children in the Khayelitsha Township in Cape Town. The owners, Mhlangabezi Masizana and Lindelwa Masizana, foster the childrens’ inherent talents by providing innovative social upliftment programs such as homework tutoring, choir singing, and entrepreneurship skills. Shortly before Christmas, the children were able to celebrate the end of their school year with a festive excursion, which we were thrilled to be a co-sponsor of!
eKhaya eKasi „Home in the Hood“ Art & Education Centre
We also wanted to support women in Khayelitsha, who are doing everything they can to give themselves and their families a better life. At the eKhaya eKasi “Home in the Hood” Art & Education Centre, they receive educational opportunities and guidance to use their creativity as a source of income. One of the examples thereof, is the beading of enchanting bracelets, which Uthando provides to each of the guests that participate in one of their guided tours. When you next visit Cape Town, we would be thrilled to organize am authentic Uthando township tour for you, where you’ll get an insight into inspiring projects such as these. There are so many uplifting ideas flourishing in our townships, that illustrate that positive change is possible, even under the most challenging conditions.
“I hope you have an experience that alters the course of your life because,
after Africa, nothing has ever been the same.”
Suzanne Evans (English journalist & politician)
As always, we wish you health and happiness over the Festive Season! Enjoy your holidays and may you be reinvigorated for the exciting happenings of 2023!
Perhaps there is even a trip to Africa on the cards for you,
which of course we would happily assist in the planning of!
With warm African festive wishes,
Nicole, Dennis, Claudia & the African Moments Team
