Get to know your city

by | Nov 4, 2022 | Explore, Jozi North, November 2022 jhb | 0 comments

Get to know your city

Soweto is a vibrant town that’s rich in culture, the setting for many of the most pivotal moments in our country’s history and a community that moulded some of South Africa’s greatest leaders. If you want to get to know this dynamic part of Joburg better, why not book yourself in for a stay at Lebo’s Backpackers? We chatted with Maria Malepa about how the business was started by Lebohang Malepa, who sadly passed away late last year, how it has grown and the experiences it offers today.

How did Lebo’s Backpackers start and how has it evolved into the place it is today?

Lebohang “Lebo” Malepa started his entrepreneurial journey in 1998 by selling arts and crafts outside the Hector Pieterson memorial and the Mandela Museum, engaging with tourists as they stepped off their buses. By 2000 he’d started to offer alternative tours of Soweto such as night and shebeen tours using public transport to shuttle his clients, as well as walking tours. Many of his clients wanted to stay overnight to complete the authentic experience, and as he gained experience in hosting travellers he decided to formalise his offerings into a new business venture – and in 2003, Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers was born.

Sadly, Lebo passed away on 25 December 2021 leaving an incredible legacy in his community. The work continues today and Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers is led by his wife and the staff team.

What are some of the joys of operating Lebo’s Backpackers?

Telling real and authentic stories of Soweto, our history and its people to visitors from around the world – and to South Africans, too. We take pride in who we are, the history we share and the struggle to carry on in a country like South Africa that is still alive with possibilities. To see a community come to life thanks to the experiences we offer.

Has the experience made you appreciate your neighbourhood more?

Yes, it has made us realise that by working closely with and empowering your community through a business venture you can achieve success.

Do you have any memories you would like to share?

It’s just amazing to think back! Our thriving business that today employs people was once just one individual who accommodated visitors in one of his rooms and showed them around on bicycles that were borrowed or rented from community.

What are some of the most requested offerings and experiences at Lebo’s?

The Soweto day tours by bike, tuk tuk and on foot are the most popular. Our Soweto cooking and food tour is also gaining popularity as well as our storytelling evening and our camping experience at the camp site Leboland, located just next door to our hostel.

Get Connected

sowetobackpackers.com

@Lebobp

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