Township tourism: How bicycle entrepreneur turned his passion into award-winning business

When entrepreneur Mpumelelo Mtintso launched his Soweto cycle tours in 2015 he had a dream, but no idea that the business would bloom into an award-winning tourism company.

Since-renamed Book Ibhoni uses bicycles to connect people to a community and to its history. ('Ibhoni' is a township phrase for a bicycle.)

And Mtintso's venture also contributes to community education and upliftment, with discounted bicycle tours offered in exchange for books, which are donated to local schools and libraries.

In conversation with Gugs Mhlungu, Mtintso relates how he was inspired to implement this business model during the protests sparked by the Fees Must Fall campaign.

"I decided to start a business that could also contribute positively in education, because students were fighting for access to education."

Starting out was tough, Mtintso says, because a bicycle business was not understood or even seen as fashionable at the time.

He put up a gazebo with a few bikes on Soweto's famous Vilakazi Street, once home to the late Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.

"I was like a street vendor... When tourists were walking past to visit the Nelson Mandela house, I would also offer them something different to do afterwards with my tours. I had to of course also convince people that, as much as we think we know our history, certain things are not in the media or books, and can only be seen or experienced when you take a bicycle tour in and around Soweto."

What makes Book Ibhoni stand out from the many tours now available there, is that they offer a balance between the history of Soweto, and contemporary life in the township, Mtintso says.

"We mix our tours with current affairs, with everyday life in Soweto. People want to know where the young people hang out, where things are happening, where  Amapiano comes from..."

The company hosts events as well, like 'SOWETO100', a 100km ride that appeals also to sports tourists.

To find out about the tours and events on offer, email bookibhoni@gmail.com or WhatsApp on 082 928 0543.

You can also follow Book Ibhoni on Facebook, Instagram and X.

To listen to Mpumelelo Mtintso in conversation with Gugs Mhlungu on 702's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below: