September 2020
By Karabo Ntanzi
Looking for a platform to preserve and narrate stories about people and the diverse culture of Galeshewe inspired Boitumelo Joy Phirisi to establish Native Minds in 2006.
An Artist, Tourist Guide and Heritage Practitioner, Boitumelo registered Native Tours to complement Native Minds.
Native Tours specialises in guided tours within Kimberley. Tourists can choose to enjoy the scenery using vehicles or bicycles. Trips are tailor made to suit the tourist’s needs. Several stops are made at historical sites where cultural and heritage information is shared. The company has 21 bicycles, which enables them to cater to large groups.
Giving back to the community, Native Tours allows young boys and girls to ride the bicicycles, allowing them to learn to cycle because not all parents can afford bikes. The intension is also to start a cycling club. The bicycles are also used by locals to exercise.
Native Tours bought a house as part of their expansion. The aim is to turn it into an art hub with a gallery that will serve as a springboard for artists to launch themselves. The stage at the back of the house has already showcased puppet shows and jazz sessions. All the artwork in the house are for sale, giving artist a platform to market their work.
In 2010 Native Minds was commissioned by the Sol Plaatje Municipality to create murals in Galeshewe honouring fallen heroes and heroines as part of storytelling.
During the 2018 Lilizela Awards, hosted by the Department of Tourism and Economic Development, Native Tours was bestowed with the Premiers Prestigious Award.
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