Adventure Travel
Breaking Barriers: Blind Tour Guide Transforms Cape Town Tourism
2025-08-09

In a world increasingly seeking unique and meaningful travel experiences, a groundbreaking initiative in Cape Town, South Africa, is redefining accessibility and inclusion in tourism. This inspiring story centers on a remarkable individual who, despite facing profound personal challenges, has carved out a new path, not only for himself but for countless others, demonstrating that true vision extends beyond sight. His journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a powerful commitment to showcasing the rich tapestry of his city through an entirely fresh lens.

Inspiring Journeys: Winston Fani's Unconventional Path to Guiding Cape Town's Art Scene

In August 2025, a quiet revolution in South African tourism began, spearheaded by Nqabohlanga 'Winston' Fani, the nation's inaugural certified blind tour guide. His inspiring journey originates from the bustling heart of Cape Town, specifically the Cape Town Society of the Blind (CTSB) in Salt River, a district pulsating with renewed artistic energy east of the Central Business District. Winston, who tragically lost his sight completely by age 13 due to glaucoma, faced unexpected unemployment during the global pandemic, prompting a pivotal reassessment of his future.

A serendipitous encounter with Wendy Puron from AWOL Tours, a prominent Cape Town hiking and biking specialist, alongside Tania Robbertze—his blind wife's guide dog trainer—unlocked an unforeseen opportunity. Impressed by Winston's innate ability to mentally map new areas and his exceptional interpersonal skills, they ignited the idea of a career in tourism. This vision gained momentum through a successful crowdfunding initiative via BackaBuddy, which secured the necessary funds for his tourism qualifications. Subsequently, Cape Town Tourism extended its full support, sponsoring his tuition and integrating him into their pioneering 'Limitless Cape Town' campaign. This ongoing initiative, a first of its kind, champions equal opportunities and broad access to the city's tourism offerings for individuals of all abilities.

By 2023, Winston proudly earned his certification, launching AWOL Tours' 'Outtasight Blind Art Tour' in Cape Town. His dedication was evident in the meticulous preparation: over an entire month, he navigated and memorized the two-hour street art walking tour route in Salt River three to four times a week. This previously industrial and textile-centric area of the Western Cape has undergone a vibrant transformation, blooming with new restaurants, breweries, community events, and captivating urban art installations. Since 2017, the annual International Public Arts Festival (IPAF), spearheaded by Baz-Art, has breathed new life into the city's formerly blank walls, especially in Salt River. This district, uniquely spared from the forced removals of the Apartheid era, has historically been a canvas for subversive and protest art. Today, its vibrant murals, created by both local and international artists like South Africa's Grant Jurius and Brooklyn-based Sara Erenthal, offer a compelling visual commentary on contemporary political, technological, and social issues, ranging from vaccination campaigns to the complexities of the digital age. As part of the 'Limitless' movement, braille touchpoints and QR codes linked to Winston's audio guides have been strategically placed alongside many artworks, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can engage with and understand each mural and the artist's message, further cementing Cape Town's commitment to becoming a truly accessible global destination.

Through his tours, Winston articulates and interprets the vibrant art before them with remarkable precision. He describes artworks ranging from bold rainbows to stark black-and-white, from realistic depictions to abstract concepts, each offering a unique visual commentary on political, technological, and societal issues. He particularly highlights pieces like the sideways, black-white-and-red mural 'Memories' by Italian artist Flavio Favelli, which depicts the historic front page of the Sunday Times announcing Nelson Mandela's release. Winston emphasizes his aim to provide a vivid and accurate mental image of the art, independent of color, stating, “I give them a clear, proper definition and a chance to draw that picture in their minds, regardless of the colors. As soon as they get the idea of the picture, they’ll know it by heart.”

His deep understanding extends beyond the art itself to the historical context of the area. Near the Cape Town Society of the Blind stands Community House, recognized as a living heritage site due to its profound role in political activism since 1987. During the heightened struggles against Apartheid, it served as a vital base for NGOs and trade unions. Previously, it housed rural white women, reflecting the apartheid-era's segregation. Today, Community House remains a beacon of progress, hosting 24 organizations dedicated to environmental, gender, and health advocacy. It also functions as a community museum, preserving the narratives of past social struggles through personal accounts, freedom-themed poems, a mosaic mural honoring anti-apartheid activist Jeanette Schoon, and newspaper clippings documenting the fight for Nelson Mandela's release. Winston offers visitors a moment for solitary reflection within this poignant gallery.

One of Winston's most cherished murals is 'T for Digit' by South African contemporary artist Dekor One. This six-meter-high artwork portrays a man in military attire with a globe for a head, floating above broad shoulders. Behind him, an orange 'T' is adorned with objects that could be interpreted as missiles or pens. While the artwork addresses the dual nature of the digital world, Winston finds a deeper, more personal resonance. He asserts, “The smaller you think, the smaller your world. The broader you think, the bigger the world. I became the first blind tour guide because I stepped outside my comfort zone.” He adds, “The man is ready to fight for what he believes in, because he thinks big,” underscoring his own expansive thinking.

Winston's unwavering commitment to his profession and his profound insights are truly remarkable.

Winston Fani's journey in Cape Town is a powerful reminder that our perceptions often shape our reality. His dedication to becoming South Africa's first blind tour guide not only transformed his own life but also challenged conventional notions of what is possible in the tourism industry. By stepping outside his comfort zone and embracing a new path, he has not only brought unique and valuable experiences to visitors but also illuminated the richness of Cape Town's art and history through a truly inclusive lens. His story inspires us to reconsider our own limitations and to champion initiatives that promote accessibility and diverse perspectives in every facet of society. It's a testament to the idea that true vision stems not from sight, but from an open mind and an indomitable spirit.

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