South Africa’s travel and tourism industry was rocked on Christmas Day by the sad news of the death of tourism pioneer, Lebo Malepa – founder of Soweto Backpackers – following a long period of ill health.
South African Tourism said Lebo had started off selling crafts to tourists in 1998, and as he got to learn more about tourists from various countries, his interest in the sector grew.
Having never travelled outside South Africa but armed with his vision and passion, Lebo opened Soweto Backpackers in 2003, initially using his one back room in the yard of his parents’ house in Orlando West, Soweto. Over the years, the business grew as Lebo hosted tourists from all over the world.
He introduced bicycle tours in Soweto, which fast started a trend for visiting historic sites on a bicycle. His offering also included hosting story-telling nights for tourists where locals got to share stories with tourists staying at the Soweto Backpackers. In one media interview, Lebo dubbed his business “everybody’s business” because he integrated the entire community through his establishment.
“It is truly a sad day not only for his family and friends but for the entire tourism sector. Lebo was a visionary, an innovator and an inspiration to many people. He led the way and managed, against all odds, to grow a successful business. He brought hope to many township tourism businesses. He was the epitome of entrepreneurship and, most admirably, he was passionate about empowering his community. The nation has lost a treasure. We applaud Lebo for his contribution to the success of tourism in this country,” said SA Tourism Acting CEO, Themba Khumalo.
Over the years, Lebo has won several awards at the SA Tourism-hosted Lilizela Tourism Awards which recognise businesses that excel in the tourism sector. He was often featured in SA Tourism’s promotional collateral representing and showcasing the country’s culture, history, and the fun and vibrant spirit of the South African people. Lebo will be remembered for his energy, joyful personality and warm smile.
He had a smile that lit up every room, said Founder of Ubuntu Beds, Kim Whitaker, in a Facebook tribute to Lebo. “A true travel and tourism change-maker who believed in and practised true Ubuntu, you created township tourism experiences that changed the narrative of Soweto and shifted the mindsets of foreign visitors and locals alike.”
“A giant man with so much love” was the message put out by Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers, describing him as “a father, a son, a husband, a brother. A Community leader, a Pioneer, a Trailblazer, a Creative, a true Entrepreneur”.
