Masiphumelele Township, on the outskirts of Cape Town where AWOL operates a Bicycle Township Tours is like most townships in South Africa –  faced with the great tragedies of poverty and unemployment. But Masi P has life, hope and inspiration to help ignite dreams.

Masiphumelele Township, on the outskirts of Cape Town where AWOL operates a Bicycle Township Tours is like most townships in South Africa –  faced with the great tragedies of poverty and unemployment. But Masi P has life, hope and inspiration to help ignite dreams.

Masiphumelele Township, on the outskirts of Cape Town where AWOL operates a Bicycle Township Tours is like most townships in South Africa –  faced with the great tragedies of poverty and unemployment. But Masi P has life, hope and inspiration to help ignite dreams.

 There are many social development projects in the township and many entrepreneurs changing peoples’ lives for the better. One particular organization that works for the community and that AWOL Tours guests support is Masiphumelele Corporation and Trust. Some of their work include building the first library in the township, assisting small businesses and running a bursary program that assists students with the opportunity to go to university(of which I am a recipient of).

The bursary program has assisted over 40 students from the township. The program started small in 2001 with just 3 students. I was part of the second group in 2002 and there were two of us. The Masicorp scholarship transported us from Ukhanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele Township to Fish Hoek High School (primarily an ‘affluent’ school). After graduating from Fish Hoek High School, I went on to do my tertiary studies at the University of the Western Cape, Bachelor of Arts where I majored in Geography and Tourism. Last week at my graduation ceremony was a humbling experience to be on that stage in my gown and to have those close to me present.

I am now doing my Honours degree in Geography. My research thesis looks to investigate the vulnerability of people in Masiphumelele living close to the wetlands and their ability in coping with any hazards/risks they may face. For me it is a privilege to be able to undertake research in my own community and be able to highlight a very important issues.

My heart is set on academia and undertaking research. With the support of AWOL Tours, I hope to gain significant work experience to assist me on a path of eliminating poverty and improving living conditions of townships. I recognize the considerable value of education in  liberating ones self and have been humbled by my journey from Masi P to University.

Written by Loyiso Tunce, a Masiphumelele Township resident and Bursary recipient of MasiCorp is currently employed to do work experience at AWOL Tours to complement his Bachelor degree in Tourism and Geography. AWOL Tours operates the City Cycle Tour from the V&A Waterfront due to generous support from Futouris and Tui Suisse

 There are many social development projects in the township and many entrepreneurs changing peoples’ lives for the better. One particular organization that works for the community and that AWOL Tours guests support is Masiphumelele Corporation and Trust. Some of their work include building the first library in the township, assisting small businesses and running a bursary program that assists students with the opportunity to go to university(of which I am a recipient of).

The bursary program has assisted over 40 students from the township. The program started small in 2001 with just 3 students. I was part of the second group in 2002 and there were two of us. The Masicorp scholarship transported us from Ukhanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele Township to Fish Hoek High School (primarily an ‘affluent’ school). After graduating from Fish Hoek High School, I went on to do my tertiary studies at the University of the Western Cape, Bachelor of Arts where I majored in Geography and Tourism. Last week at my graduation ceremony was a humbling experience to be on that stage in my gown and to have those close to me present.

I am now doing my Honours degree in Geography. My research thesis looks to investigate the vulnerability of people in Masiphumelele living close to the wetlands and their ability in coping with any hazards/risks they may face. For me it is a privilege to be able to undertake research in my own community and be able to highlight a very important issues.

My heart is set on academia and undertaking research. With the support of AWOL Tours, I hope to gain significant work experience to assist me on a path of eliminating poverty and improving living conditions of townships. I recognize the considerable value of education in  liberating ones self and have been humbled by my journey from Masi P to University.

Written by Loyiso Tunce, a Masiphumelele Township resident and Bursary recipient of MasiCorp is currently employed to do work experience at AWOL Tours to complement his Bachelor degree in Tourism and Geography. AWOL Tours operates the City Cycle Tour from the V&A Waterfront due to generous support from Futouris and Tui Suisse

 There are many social development projects in the township and many entrepreneurs changing peoples’ lives for the better. One particular organization that works for the community and that AWOL Tours guests support is Masiphumelele Corporation and Trust. Some of their work include building the first library in the township, assisting small businesses and running a bursary program that assists students with the opportunity to go to university(of which I am a recipient of).

The bursary program has assisted over 40 students from the township. The program started small in 2001 with just 3 students. I was part of the second group in 2002 and there were two of us. The Masicorp scholarship transported us from Ukhanyo Primary School in Masiphumelele Township to Fish Hoek High School (primarily an ‘affluent’ school). After graduating from Fish Hoek High School, I went on to do my tertiary studies at the University of the Western Cape, Bachelor of Arts where I majored in Geography and Tourism. Last week at my graduation ceremony was a humbling experience to be on that stage in my gown and to have those close to me present.

I am now doing my Honours degree in Geography. My research thesis looks to investigate the vulnerability of people in Masiphumelele living close to the wetlands and their ability in coping with any hazards/risks they may face. For me it is a privilege to be able to undertake research in my own community and be able to highlight a very important issues.

My heart is set on academia and undertaking research. With the support of AWOL Tours, I hope to gain significant work experience to assist me on a path of eliminating poverty and improving living conditions of townships. I recognize the considerable value of education in  liberating ones self and have been humbled by my journey from Masi P to University.

Written by Loyiso Tunce, a Masiphumelele Township resident and Bursary recipient of MasiCorp is currently employed to do work experience at AWOL Tours to complement his Bachelor degree in Tourism and Geography. AWOL Tours operates the City Cycle Tour from the V&A Waterfront due to generous support from Futouris and Tui Suisse