13/08/2026
The lesson is simple: sometimes, developing a destination is not about building something new; it is about recognising, preserving and packaging what the community already has.
Such case can be drawn from a local business our consultants engaged today, named Shomaesi Chillas Corner in Rustenburg, ko Phokeng. A food establishment established in 2015 with popularity within the township for its traditional meals, prepared by two mature women whose cooking has become part of the local experience.
The food joint took a knock like many other businesses during the covid 19 pandemic plus the owners did not have the business acumen to make a quick come back.
Today, they continue serving their dishes with their authenticity retained, giving a different taste of the Gastronomic experience in the areas despite well established businesses growth in the area. In fact, while the establishment may not traditionally be viewed as a tourism attraction, it represents something much more valuable and that’s an authentic expression of local culture and community life.
Places like Shomaesi Chillas Corner demonstrate how inclusive tourism can create economic opportunities, celebrate local identity and give lesser-visited communities a stronger place within the tourism value chain.
With the right support and approach, many likewise communities could develop networks of community-based experiences around food, culture, heritage, storytelling, music, crafts and everyday township life.
We need to think beyond to take out the best!
