Recently a guest in a large wheelchair, that we only provided airport transfers for, asked us to do a "Township Tour" we told them we do not do that in Cape Town, we offer a more positive experience of "Meet the People" down in the town of Mossel Bay in the Garden Route area. WHY because the locals perceive us to be taking business away from their own people, no matter if we have a "local resident" on board guiding us.
We the tourism desk at the hotel where he was staying got a "township taxi" - was it a legal taxi, did the driver have a professional driver's permit and insurance?? Something we have to have, but township taxis often do not. So they removed the middle seat/s from this vehicle and did the trip, I am sure the wheelchair was not restrained at all. Guests attitude when we told him he was rather reckless, was "I am still here!" Well, that is not the way to do things. I am not saying that he was in danger, but anything could have happened and then you end up being a crime stat through sheer stupidity or not knowing the pro's and con's of doing this like that. The tourism desk should actually get a slap over the wrist as well.
Read my article on Meet the people - Positive Experience V Gold fish bowl on Poverty - on my other blog - http://www.flamingoadventuretours.co.za/
This is Sheila & John from the UK meeting Patrick and his wife, where we had lunch in Patrick's house in the township, during a "Meet the People" tour in Mossel Bay - Garden Route.
A much more positive experience.
Patrick has changed his life from being a gangster and then having a spinal injury during this violent time of his life, to come full circle to getting back on the straight path to "freedom" from that gangster life he lead. Now his dream is to attend the Paralympics in London in 2012, he needs new equipment to make the grade to be included in the South African team.
BUT - THIS IS THE TYPE of EXPERIENCE that uplifts all who go on this tour, rather than the abject poverty of a standard township tour.
So next time you are offered a tour that one operator says NO to, think again about accepting an alternative, ask all the right questions about restraining the wheelchair, insurance, permits etc!
DO NOT BECOME ANOTHER STAT - Please!!
BE safe and enjoy!
PAM - Flamingo Tours & Disabled Ventures - Cape Town - South Africa.
