Cape Town Tourism's Board Development Fund winners

17 Apr 2015

In October 2013, Cape Town Tourism's Board of Directors took a collective decision to forfeit their monthly remuneration in favour of the Board Development Fund (BDF) that assists Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) with support to develop their tourism businesses.

In year two (2015) of the Board Development Fund, Cape Town Tourism received many promising applications and, after a thorough selection process, a shortlist of four candidates was created. In March 2015, two beneficiaries were carefully selected and Cape Town Tourism has allocated R50,000 to each in support of their businesses' growth. Additional non-financial support is also being given in the form of complimentary Cape Town Tourism membership, business skills coaching, mentorship and marketing support until February 2016.

The two successful SMMEs are: Escape to the Cape and Ubizo Tours and Events.

First Row L-R: Jonathan Jacobs (CTT Board), Siyabulela Siyaka of Ubizo Tours and Events (winner 2015), Ebrahim Osman of Ozzie's Golf Guides (winner 2014), Shaheed Ebrahim of Escape to the Cape (winner 2015), and Enver Mally (Chairperson CTT Board). Standing L-R: Enver Duminy (CTT CEO), Alushca Ritchie (CTT Board), John van Rooyen (CTT Board), Brett Hendricks (CTT Board), JB Maree (Business Skills Coach)

Image by Deon Gurling, courtesy of Cape Town Tourism

Steady growth

Escape to the Cape, established in 2010, has continued to enjoy steady growth and Shaheed Ebrahim, the owner/manager has been recognised in the industry for his entrepreneurial flair. In 2012, Escape to the Cape pioneered on-board Wi-Fi by introducing this service in its vehicles. Ebrahim is committed to empowering and supporting five SMMEs by providing Wi-Fi for their vehicles, creating more market share for them and increasing mutual business opportunities.

Specialising in cultural and historical tours, Ubizo Tours and Events is owner-managed by Siyabulela Siyaka, a passionate tourism entrepreneur who has trained and employs 10 local tour guides and three permanent staff. Working in the townships of Langa, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha, his focus is on telling the stories that balance traditional and modern norms. Ubizo Tours and Events would like to add cycling tours to their basket of activities.

The Cape Town Tourism Board and team look forward to the journey ahead with Escape to the Cape and Ubizo Tours and Events.