The RCS Gugulethu Reconciliation Race 2016 shines a light on one of Cape Town’s largest townships – Gugulethu.
We chat to Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism regarding the impact of this event on visitors to the city, especially from a cultural perspective.
What, in your opinion, is the impact of the RCS Gugs Race on visitors to the city, especially from a cultural perspective?
The RCS Gugs race is special in that it is inclusive, as well as shining the spotlight on one of our tourism attractions. Gugulethu is full of cultural experiences and is part of the city’s heritage, it should be on everyone’s tourism itinerary.
Locals as well as visitors can enjoy the heartbeat of the city there. Having an event in Gugs goes to show that it’s not just the big flashy stadia that can handle events, but the smaller neighbourhoods can cope with putting on excellent events that, we hope, will grow in stature and attract visitors from further afield.
What is the most positive aspect of the event, as related to tourism and bringing visitors to the city?
While township tourism is a growing element of the tourism offering the city has, it’s still quite under-utilised. We’re seeing ingenious additions to the traditional tourism activities, the Maboneng Arts Experience is one, it takes you into the homes of local artists for an intimate discussion around the importance of the arts in Cape Town.
So local entrepreneurs are coming up with innovative ways of increasing the tourism demand. Very often, a township tour can involve several different businesses, so these contribute to job creation and the economy, sustaining local families.
Do you think this event makes a real impression on visitors to Cape Town, and why?
This event showcases the many faces of Cape Town, it’s quite unique in that there’s no other event like it – and that’s what Cape Town is all about; what you experience as a visitor to Camps Bay is very different to an experience in Mitchell’s Plain, Bo Kaap or Simon’s Town.
We’re not a one-trick pony, the city has a multitude of experiences that express the different cultures and backgrounds we have.
From a tourism perspective, how would you say that this event – and others like it – benefit the people of Gugulethu, and Cape Town as a whole?
As mentioned, in the township tourism context there is a real sense of community and support for businesses, so partnerships form to create multiple experiences, from food tasting to dancing or arts and crafts.
These create jobs, as well as providing the opportunity to mentor young tourism entrepreneurs; skills are shared, and some of these go on to become lifelong tourism professionals, so really it’s about transforming the industry.
The tourism economy isn’t limited to tourism, it runs through many other sectors, from supply chains to food producers. One in twelve people in South Africa is employed in tourism, to give a bit more context to how essential this is.
Are you an avid runner, and will you be participating in the race this year?
While not a runner myself, I highly recommend it as a way of seeing the city close up, on the streets, among our people. It’s a healthy, active means of exploring. Unfortunately due to time constraints, I won’t be participating but I wish all the runners the best of luck.
ENTRY AND BOOKINGS FOR THE 2016 RCS GUGULETHU RECONCILIATION DAY RACE
Entries are available online via entrytime.com or at the venue on race day from 5:30am.
Race fees are as follows:
10km RACE – Starts at 7am
FEES
Licensed Adults
R40p/p
Licensed Juniors
R25p/p
Unlicensed Adults
R65p/p
Unlicensed Juniors
R40p/p
4-km RACE – Starts at 7:10am
Adults
R20p/p
Juniors
R15p/p