Buntu Matole embraces Cape Town’s lokshin culture through cultural tours.
“For me, entrepreneurship is about building ecosystems that serve people, foster creativity, and shift narratives about South African communities from struggle to strength.”
Tell us about your background as an entrepreneur?
My name is Buntu Matole and I’m a community-based entrepreneur with a deep passion for using cultural tours, sports and local heritage to uplift and connect people. I was born in Johannesburg and raised in Khayelitsha, Cape Town .
What kind of business do you run, when did you start this business and what are its main products or services?
I run ABCD Travel (ABCD Concepts), a tour operator based in the heart of Khayelitsha. We officially launched in 2015.
Our business focuses on curating authentic experiences that allow both locals and international visitors to explore Khayelitsha’s rich cultural landscape. Our offerings include guided township tours, local cuisine tastings, storytelling sessions, drumming circles, walks, and historical explorations.
Why did you choose to venture into the industry that you are in and what do you enjoy the most about it?
My passion for tourism began as early as 2004. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to access formal education in the field due to financial challenges.
Years later, I found my way back to that passion through real-life experience, community involvement, and self-driven learning.
What I enjoy most about this work is witnessing how people, both locals and visitors, connect on a human level through shared stories, food, music, and lived experiences.
How many employees has your business employed thus far?
So far, my business has created employment opportunities for 10 individuals, both on a full-time and part-time basis. We also work with a network of local freelancers, guides, artists, and vendors depending on the scale and nature of our tours and events.
Share a success story or achievement related to your business
2025 has been a breakthrough year for me and ABCD Travel. One of our proudest moments was being the first exhibitor from Khayelitsha at the World Travel Market (WTM), where we showcased our business with two exhibition stalls. It was a major milestone that positioned our township-based brand on an international platform and showed that grassroots tourism has a place on the global stage.
We also celebrated national media recognition Media24 featured our story, and it became their second most-read article, giving us exposure to a much wider audience. That momentum continued when I was invited for my first radio interview on Cape Talk, where I had the opportunity to share our journey, challenges, and community impact with thousands of listeners.
Another major highlight was hosting the Cape Town Tourism (CTT) team along with their invited guests for a full-day curated experience in Khayelitsha. That day was a powerful validation of what we’ve built: a trusted, community-rooted tourism experience that offers both depth and authenticity.
How do you intend on growing your business and what is the end goal for you?
My intention is to grow ABCD Travel into a leading model for community-based tourism not only in Khayelitsha, but across other townships and underrepresented areas in South Africa. I want to expand our offerings by developing new experience packages, partnering with local creatives and entrepreneurs, and investing in digital platforms to reach a wider audience, both locally and internationally.
I also plan to create more jobs and training opportunities for young people in the township, equipping them with the skills to thrive in tourism, hospitality, and cultural storytelling.
Ultimately, I’d like to establish a township tourism academy or incubator that empowers the next generation of township-based entrepreneurs.