Dlala Nja - Just Play



Checking out the Skyline

There are some young leaders at the Iconic Ponte Tower in Hillbrow, they are a force of transformation using tourism as a catalyst for change. They run Dlala nje a place that allows children living in a congested inner city to be kids and play in a safe environment.  The business model is rather holistic as they also run tours that take people into the heart of the inner city to understand the famous skyline that makes Jo’burg the city of Gold.

Walking through Yeoville with the Bunny

The tours give one insight into the history of Hillbrow, Yeoville and Berea.  You get to see the place, walk with the people and see how it’s evolved.  You are given the opportunity to dispel society’s preconceived ideas and make up your own mind about these suburbs, whilst enjoying the delicacies that have been brought about by this melting pot of African cultures.

Viva Africa

 

Often when people venture into these suburbs they worry about their safety, well you have nothing to worry about.  Dlala Nje tours are well-known and respected amongst the community. Nickolaus is a great navigator as he leads you through the streets, bars, market and restaurants. 

Soccer keeping everyone entertained

The people are also very welcoming; we arrived at a Congolese bar to find men deeply engrossed in a soccer game taking place in Congo.  30 minutes later the same men were doing the Kwasa Kwasa after their team won the match,  it was time for all of us to hit the dance floor in celebration of the win.   For me it’s important that I take time to remove myself from my comfort zones and meet people from different walks of life, it gives me the opportunity to learn something new and also be part of a greater movement that’s creating good throughout the city of Jo’burg.

Taking some time to explore the market.

We explored Yeoville market that offers a large variety of produce from all over the African continent from yams to plantain you are bound to find it here.  After we had all walked the market and bought anything we fancied we headed to the Fish Lady for supper.   After being served lip-smacking fish and Chips cooked in Cameroonian fashion, I knew I would be coming back for more.

A view from rock bottom - Ponte, Hillbrow

Our tour ended off at the bottom or rather rock bottom of Ponte Towers staring at the Sky.  Wondering what people have been asking themselves for years; why would an architect build a hollow "toilet roll” building like this?  

Support responsible tourism by supporting guided tours like Dlala Nje, they not only changing perceptions but allowing you to play in back grounds you wouldn’t normally play in.