04-07-2025
Broken lights, beautiful posts — the two faces of Eastern Cape tourism
In the Eastern Cape, where tourism struggles under the weight of persistent challenges, a new wave of digital creators is helping reframe how the province is seen — and remembered.
As the Eastern Cape Tourism Awards draw near, three local content creators have been shortlisted for the Digital Tourism Influencer of the Year award: Jonker Fourie, aka Firefly the Travel Guy; the anonymous Real Travel Guy; and Tammy Southby, the woman behind Sunshine Simplicities.
Each offers a unique, often deeply personal view of the province — reframing it not through denial of its problems, but through celebration of its people, landscapes and hidden gems.
Their work is helping to shift perceptions — but for those on the frontlines of the industry, like Glenn Pappin, regional representative of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa and former chairperson of South African Tourism Services Association Eastern Cape, the daily reality remains a mix of promise and persistent obstacles.
Broken infrastructure and those fighting back
'The major issue is crime and safety, especially along the beachfront,' said Pappin, who also highlighted as a concern displaced people along the beachfront who had nowhere to go.
He described a cycle of vandalism and theft that undermines efforts to maintain public spaces. 'Something gets fixed (but) within a few days it's removed and stolen for scrap … specifically the cables for street lighting,' said Pappin, who is also the vice president of the Summerstrand Neighbourhood Watch and stand-in chair of the Humewood Community Policing Forum.
Though the Bay still faces issues, Pappin said collaboration between tourism players and local businesses along the Golden Mile had helped improve safety. He noted that similar challenges existed at The Donkin and Fort Frederick, which mainly served foreign visitors disembarking from cruise liners.
He said large sports events did attract tourists, but the infrastructure shortcomings failed to leave a positive impression.
Pappin said that bed nights in the Eastern Cape had declined by about 3% compared with April's statistics. 'Overall, South Africa's accommodation sector is flat, with KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape among the worst hit,' he said, adding that Gqeberha's occupancy rates were about 5% below the national average year to date.
That said, Pappin was quick to praise those who were working toward positive change. He applauded the growing number of ward councillors, residents and business people fixing and cleaning neighbourhoods, but emphasised that municipalities needed to support these efforts.
While the province contends with structural decay and systemic neglect, a growing group of digital storytellers is working in parallel, not to gloss over the cracks, but to spotlight what still makes the Eastern Cape worth visiting. The three finalists in the Digital Influencer category of the awards each have their unique approach.
Jonker Fourie, the self-proclaimed 'OG' – or Original Gangster – of tourism content creation, has written about the Eastern Cape for 17 years. Fourie likes to use the term 'digital content creator' rather than 'influencer,' as he considers himself more of a bearer of authentic experiences and information about the province.
'I've seen a lot of content creators go in and out of style, but I've just plodded along and done what I do best.' As a digital content creator, Fourie puts up his content on various platforms, social media and his 'old-school' blog on his website. 'I don't really like the word 'influencer',' he admits. 'I prefer you to call me a digital content creator. As a digital content creator, I put my content up on various platforms, social media and my old-school blog on my website. Influencers only focus on social media and, sorry to say it, themselves.'
Fourie's enthusiasm for the Eastern Cape comes through in his columns. 'How much do I love the Eastern Cape? Let me count the ways,' he laughed. 'I have a very special place in my heart for the Tsitsikamma and the Karoo Heartland. The forest where I go to charge my soul and the Karoo where I visit to find my being.' He also makes a point of the importance of Addo Elephant National Park and Nelson Mandela Bay coastline, history, and nature reserves.
The 'OG' would like to see the marketing and promotion of the Eastern Cape improving. 'An increase of budget to not just the provincial tourism board, but also to the small local tourism offices. I would like to see more cooperation between individual products and less jealousy. For people to stop looking at others to market the region and bring in business. The more chum is in the water, the more fish it will attract and then everybody's lines will get bites.'
The Real Travel Guy, a relatively new addition to the online tourism community, who prefers to maintain his anonymity, has already made waves and racked up huge follower numbers. With an emphasis on the authentic and local experience, this influencer brings the true face of travel in the Eastern Cape.
'I don't necessarily think of myself as a 'typical influencer'; I just love Gqeberha and the Eastern Cape so much,' The Real Travel Guy said. 'My ultimate aim was simply to share the wonder of our area and bring to the forefront the fantastic experiences on our own doorstep.'
The Real Travel Guy's platform is all about realness and depth. 'I'm all about revealing the real, unglamorised aspect of travel,' he said. 'Shatter the artificially posed photos; I want to convey the authentic atmosphere of a destination, the actual people interaction, and those unexpected moments.' He believes that local focus is the way to go, with insider tips to the best-kept secrets and local experiences often overlooked.
The Travel Guy feels that although we have immense potential, a few things could really boost tourism. 'Roads, especially in some of our most beautiful rural areas, need consistent upkeep. Better roads mean easier access and a smoother travel experience for everyone,' he said
He said that, like any popular destination, visitor safety was key, so 'more visible policing and community safety initiatives would really build confidence. We have incredible offerings, but we're sometimes overshadowed. A more coordinated and well-funded marketing effort to showcase our unique, authentic attractions would be transformative'.
On top of that, he believes keeping public spaces, especially tourist spots and beaches, clean is vital for presenting a welcoming destination.
Sunshine Simplicities: Seeking Out the sunshine
Tammy Southby, founder of Sunshine Simplicities, infuses her online content with a personal feel, chronicling her own experiences and adventures in the Eastern Cape. 'More than the title or the bragging rights, this nomination means that my work is being viewed,' Southby says.
'And that's an approval stamp.' Her unique and genuine content has struck a chord, and audiences respond to her optimism and zest.
The hospitality of people throughout the province and the undiscovered gems are Southby's favourite aspects of the province, areas like the Amathole region and the Karoo.
She believes there should be a combined effort to promote tourism for the Eastern Cape, like a platform that exposes the local tourist routes and destinations. 'Many tourism sites are outdated. We need a platform that is regularly updated, with even the state of the roads, how long travel on them takes, and more,' she said.
The Eastern Cape Tourism Awards take place on 27 September at Mentors Country Estate in Jeffreys Bay. DM
