B&B businesses run by 5 women in Soweto made easy by Mobile phones. South Africa.
Vhavenda Hills Bed and Breakfast Run by Catherine Lutrhaga Opened in 2002 Five woman have been adopted by Southern Sun Hotel Group for a program to promote tourism in Soweto They are the only people to offer accommodation in the township There are five B Bs guesthouses one Backpackers hostel and a hotel is planned Outside that there is nowhere to stay in Soweto These ladies represent a new breed of African entrepreneur In the past as a woman if you went to the bank they would ask where is your husband They are breaking the mould encouraged by the new political environment Local attractions include Nelson Mandela s family home which is now a museum and within walking distance The Hector Peterson Memorial Site the first victim of the Soweto riots is also among popular tourist attractions in the township Soweto itself has a young and vibrant air about it and the ladies complained bitterly that its reputation for crime and violence is unfounded Through tourism other locals are employed for washing gardening and driving Guests spend money on curios restaurants shebeen township pubs internet cafes and transport so the community also benefits The five woman rely on mobile phones for their businesses so they can take calls when they are out AA Travel Automobile Association also send bookings via SMS Catherine has an AA three star grading for me I am happy with that it helps with guests so they know what to expect Before running the guest house Catherine was selling pots She was making on average around R3000 She now earns about the same but it is not regular if there are no bookings there is no money but she has a positive outlook In 2010 South Africa host the World Cup Catherine s Samsung E330 cost R2000 new and is prepaid She spends R500 per month on her phone bill Most people have prepaid because it is very difficulty to qualify for a contract
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Photo credit: © Charles Sturge / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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