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Growing up in Cape Town, Wandisile Nqeketho, affectionately known as Wara, was an enthusiastic participant in various sports — cricket, tennis, and football — a common pursuit among boys in the townships.
But those formative years ignited his fervour for community development, inspiring him to dedicate himself to nurturing the dreams of young people in disadvantaged communities.
Currently serving as a social entrepreneur, Wara manages a flourishing township tourism business, Impondo Tours, while also donning the hat of a football coach for Young Brazil FC in Khayelitsha.
“I’m a driven community builder. I’m passionate about the development of young people in our community so that they can compete in the global arena,” explains Wara, who, although born in Khayelitsha (Site B), was raised in Libode (Eastern Cape) and Gugulethu as well.
Nqeketho’s sporting journey began with church football, evolving into school and club experiences with teams like Table View, Liverpool FC in Mitchell Plain, and a stint in the former Vodacom League (now ABC Motsepe League). After he finally retired from playing, he seamlessly transitioned into coaching roles with teams such as Birmingham United, Litha Park All Stars, Magnets FC, Cape Town Stars, and now Young Brazil.
His ventures into tourism began with a museum built in 2012, originally intended as a tourist attraction. After parting ways with his business partner, Nqeketho’s commitment to positive community impact led him to establish Impondo Tours.
“I didn’t want my disagreement with my former business partner to prohibit me from improving people’s lives. So I started the company to continue the good work.”
Impondo Tours offers township tours, including walking and bicycle tours, providing a glimpse into a world many tourists — and locals as well — might otherwise never experience. And the proceeds are used to fund other excursions, providing educational outings for young people.
Wara emphasizes, “We use the proceeds from the tours to take young people on educational excursions to expose them to different opportunities beyond the confines of Khayelitsha.”
Nqeketho finds great joy in his work. He sees tourism as a catalyst for improving the township economy, circulating money within the community, and providing access to the global market.
“Holding more international sporting activities in townships drives movement in and out of these areas, forging stronger bonds and establishing connections. Through these activities, the nation could be brought closer together.”
But he acknowledges the challenges facing township tourism, including a lack of investment and commitment from both the government and private sector, hindering the sector’s growth, and — especially — the persisting reluctance of local elites to embrace township tourism, citing historical divides and media portrayals that perpetuate negative stereotypes.
Still, there’s hope: In his vision for a united nation, Nqeketho believes that sports possess a unique ability to bridge differences and unite people.
“Sports play a pivotal role in uniting people from all walks of life,” he says.
And working together, the two halves of his life can do the most good.
“I believe if we find mechanisms to merge the two—sports and tourism—it will improve the country for the better.”
