South Africa’s township and village tourism sector is receiving a major visibility boost through the launch of the new Kasi2Kasi campaign, a collaborative tourism initiative aimed at showcasing authentic local travel experiences across the country.
- Tourism Campaign Designed to Amplify Local Destinations
- Why Township Tourism Matters
- Sho’t Left Continues to Champion Domestic Travel
- SANTACO’s Expanding Role in Tourism
- Jaecoo Positions Itself as a Lifestyle Tourism Brand
- Influencer Storytelling at the Centre of the Campaign
- Economic Potential for Local Communities
- Final Word
The campaign officially kicked off on 8 May 2026 at Samkhunzi in Soweto, bringing together tourism stakeholders, influencers, transport organisations and destination marketing partners for a multi-province tourism expedition.
Tourism Campaign Designed to Amplify Local Destinations
The initiative is being driven by the South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation in partnership with Jaecoo, Sho’t Left, South African National Taxi Council, Free State Tourism and Siyameng Consultants.
The campaign route stretches from Johannesburg through the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal Midlands before concluding in Durban.
According to organisers, the objective is to:
- Showcase township and village tourism experiences
- Promote community-based tourism enterprises
- Strengthen destination marketing efforts
- Drive storytelling through influencers and media coverage
The campaign also aims to build momentum ahead of Africa Travel Indaba, one of the continent’s largest tourism events.
Why Township Tourism Matters
Township tourism has increasingly become a major pillar of South Africa’s domestic travel economy, offering visitors experiences rooted in:
- Local culture and heritage
- Music, food and street lifestyle
- Community entrepreneurship
- Historical storytelling
Industry leaders argue that these experiences provide a more authentic and inclusive version of South African tourism — one that directly benefits local communities rather than only traditional tourism hubs.
The Kasi2Kasi campaign reflects a growing shift toward community-driven tourism development, particularly among younger travellers seeking immersive experiences.
Sho’t Left Continues to Champion Domestic Travel
A major partner in the campaign is Sho’t Left, South Africa’s long-running domestic tourism initiative.
The name originates from township taxi culture, where passengers say “Sho’t Left” to request a stop at the next corner — a phrase that has since evolved into a symbol of accessible local travel.
Over the years, Sho’t Left has encouraged South Africans to explore lesser-known destinations within their own communities and provinces.
SANTACO’s Expanding Role in Tourism
The involvement of South African National Taxi Council highlights the growing integration between transport and tourism.
Traditionally known as the voice of South Africa’s taxi industry, SANTACO is increasingly positioning itself as a bridge between local communities and the formal tourism economy.
Through its tourism initiatives, the organisation aims to:
- Promote safe and authentic local travel experiences
- Support township-based tourism routes
- Create economic opportunities within transport networks
This partnership signals a broader recognition that mobility and tourism are deeply connected in South Africa’s urban and township spaces.
Jaecoo Positions Itself as a Lifestyle Tourism Brand
Chinese automotive brand Jaecoo South Africa is also using the campaign to strengthen its position within South Africa’s growing lifestyle and adventure tourism market.
Its Jaecoo J5 and J7 SUVs are being promoted as vehicles suited for:
- Long-distance road travel
- Off-the-beaten-track exploration
- Eco-conscious tourism experiences
- Family and pet-friendly travel
Features highlighted include advanced driver assistance systems, terrain management technology and hybrid driving capabilities aimed at supporting extended travel routes across the country.
Influencer Storytelling at the Centre of the Campaign
A key component of Kasi2Kasi is digital storytelling.
Tourism influencers from across South Africa are participating in the expedition to document:
- Hidden tourism gems
- Local food experiences
- Community attractions
- Cultural interactions
Organisers believe social media-driven storytelling can help reshape perceptions of townships and villages, positioning them as vibrant tourism destinations rather than overlooked spaces.
Economic Potential for Local Communities
Tourism experts say initiatives like Kasi2Kasi could play an important role in:
- Supporting small tourism businesses
- Driving domestic travel spending
- Creating jobs in local communities
- Diversifying South Africa’s tourism economy
With global travellers increasingly seeking authentic experiences, township and village tourism may become one of the country’s most valuable untapped assets.
Final Word
The Kasi2Kasi campaign is more than a road trip — it is a strategic effort to redefine how South Africa tells its tourism story.
By placing townships and villages at the centre of the conversation, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive tourism economy that reflects the country’s culture, creativity and community spirit.
Follow the campaign online using:
#Jaecoo #SATOVITO #ShotLeft #SANTACO #Kasi2Kasi #SiyamengConsultants #VisitFreeState #DiscoverFreeState
