This week, Winston Fani, Cape Town’s first blind tour guide, confidently led members of the media on a tour of Salt River’s murals.
As part of Cape Town Tourism’s efforts to create a more inclusive tourism sector, each artwork now has a braille plaque and a QR code that leads to guided audio content voiced by Fani.
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Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, recently announced that initiatives such as audio descriptions of viewing points, audio guides and maps outlining accessible routes for disabled tourists will be implemented to improve accessibility and inclusivity in the city’s tourism industry.
‘We are paving the way for a world where all visitors, regardless of their ability, can embark on unforgettable adventures. Today we gathered to champion inclusivity and accessibility in our city, launching our #LimitlessCapeTown campaign, Cape Town Tourism said in a statement.
‘Together with Winston Fani, SA’s first qualified blind tour guide, we are shattering barriers to ignite the revolution of universal access in the Mother City!’
Winston Fani conducted his inaugural tour for the media on Tuesday, revealing to News24 that extensive practice had eradicated any nerves he once felt.
‘Being the first blind tour guide in Africa is important. People think things are impossible, and they limit themselves. But it is possible. It’s possible,’ he passionately asserted.
Hailing from Gqeberha, Fani relocated to Cape Town to be with his wife and life partner, Busisiwe.
Fani’s journey towards becoming a tour guide began when he crossed paths with Tania Robbertze and Wendy Purdon, trainers of guide dogs. Robbertze had raised Gladys, the guide dog who eventually matched with Fani’s wife. Upon recognising the challenging living conditions that Fani and Busisiwe faced in Mfuleni, partly due to Fani’s unemployment since his retrenchment in 2020, Robbertze and Purdon suggested that Fani embark on a career in tour guiding.
The search for funding commenced.
Robbertze praised Fani’s courage and adventurous spirit, stating, ‘He’s very brave, but he’s also very willing. He’s got such a sense of adventure,’ said Robbertze.
Busisiwe described her husband as a determined individual who wholeheartedly pursues his aspirations. She proudly remarked, ‘I’m very proud of him. It was never a walk in the park.’
The newly launched tour not only allows visually impaired individuals to appreciate artwork that was once inaccessible, but it also provides an educational opportunity for everyone to delve deeper into its significance.
To secure the necessary resources, Robbertze initiated a BackaBuddy fund. When she reached out to Cape Town Tourism through social media, Duminy promptly offered assistance with Fani’s training expenses.
Fani’s journey to becoming a tour guide presented its own set of hurdles. Navigating public transportation to Century City and trekking over a kilometre to attend classes, he persevered. Assignments and visits to historical sites further enriched his learning experience, News24 explained.
Fani’s tour encompasses twelve murals decorating the streets of Salt River, each created in collaboration with Baz-Art’s International Public Arts Festival. Despite being unable to physically see the artwork, Fani eloquently describes the murals and provides insightful commentary for tour participants. Braille plaques and QR codes accompanying each artwork grant visitors access to guided audio content.
Looking ahead, Fani envisions expanding his tours to remain competitive and continue providing unique experiences. He firmly believes in the power of trying rather than dwelling on limitations. ‘Instead of saying I can’t, I say I can try. It doesn’t matter how challenging it is; I’ll go for it,’ he affirmed.
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Picture: Rutendo Petros / Unsplash
