Aunty Nita’s Tours is a small Tour Operator showcasing an otherwise un-tapped aspect of Cape Culture. It is owned and operated by none other than Aunty Nita herself.
Anita Hermanus was born and grew up on the Cape Flats. She spent her formative years in the very streets she now shares so passionately with anyone who wants to listen. Anita is married to Leon, and together they have 2 children.
Like most people on the Cape Flats, Aunty Nita loves sharing this stunning city of Cape Town and the beauty of her community with travellers, who will have become family by the time they leave.
“I am born and bred in the beautiful city of Cape Town, in the shadow of the magnificent Table Mountain, at the foot of Africa. I love Cape Town and it’s people and have a deep desire to share the depth of talent, potential, skill, diversity and perseverance which is such a big part of who we are; as we strive to take our place in what is the “Rainbow Nation” of South Africa.
Sharing Cape Town and more specifically, life on the Cape Flats, with anyone who will visit, is therefore a way for me to merge my love of the city, and my desire to showcase it.”
Aunty Nita’s Tours is my open invitation to anyone wanting to experience the road less travelled – to not only see the Cape Flats from Table Mountain, or to whizz past on the highway, but to be immersed into it; to be a part of the sights, sounds and experiences of the Mother City, from the perspective of someone who has grown up there.
Through Aunty Nita’s I aim to tastefully and respectfully share the diversity which makes the Cape Flats such a colourful place to visit.
Why “Aunty Nita’s….”?
“Aunty” is a term of respect and endearment for ladies in our communities. It is used not only for your mommy or daddy’s sister, but also for any older woman with whom you come into contact. You will often hear mommy’s asking their children, “Did you greet Aunty So-&-So?” As a result, any woman who is not your mother, or your teacher, becomes your “Aunty” – your neighbour, your mommy’s friend, your friend’s mommy, etc., etc.
Given the tight-knit nature of communities in many townships on the Cape Flats, Aunty’s belong to all the neighbourhood children, and all the children belong to them. As a result, they have the right to discipline you like your mother would if she were around! So many-an-Aunty has dished out many-a-hiding to many-a-child in many-a-Cape Flats neighbourhood, over the years.
When mommy is not around, Aunty is the next best thing. Aunty’s are much loved, pillars of the community who take pride in their roles as surrogate nurturers, care-givers; news reporter, security guards, and so much more.
As one such older woman, living in what was formerly known as a “Coloured Township” on the Cape Flats. My neighbourhood kids call me “Aunty Nita” (short for Anita)…so, what better name for a company striving to showcase what the “Coloured” or mixed-race community of Cape Town has to offer to South Africa, and to the world as a whole.
By the way, it’s all about the pronunciation! It’s about the way you say it…while you’re on the tour, listen to the lingo of those around you and you will hear the difference!
Free Walking Tours
After a career in the corporate world, where I went through the various aspects of Supply Chain, from Depot Operations to Reporting, and everywhere else in between, back in 2017, I took the plunge to leave this world behind. I used my 2016 holiday bonus and my available leave and did my guiding qualification as well as a First Aid course. Every year I still celebrate my own personal Freedom Day on 6 October, as this was the first day of the rest of my life!!
On receiving my guide badge and card, I was given an opportunity with one of the free walking tour operators in the city, and I absolutely loved it!! It was therefore only natural for me to include this in any venture I embarked on, hence, besides the Cape Flats Tour Options, we now also offer two Free Walking Tours in Cape Town City Centre, as well.
To play it forward, I want to give new tourist guides the same opportunity and platform. At Aunty Nita’s Free Walking Tours, I welcome brand new tourist guides. My desire is to mentor them and help them grow as Tourist Guides, giving them the same step-up in the industry which I received, by helping them sharpen the skills taught at the Guiding Schools, and building their confidence in leading groups of people while sharing their stories.
To join a tour, meet us at African Gems and Minerals, Green Market Square daily (Sundays, by appointment only!) for a 90 min experience to blow your mind. Our exceptional Tourist Guides love what they do and enjoy pounding the pavements to share the secrets of the Mother City with you. Look out for the Orange Umbrella’s and come ready for the best 90 minutes of your life!!
We offer two tours:
10:30 & 15:30 daily – A Cultural Tour of the Bokaap; and
13:00 daily – A Walk Through Time – a Historic overview of the Mother City
Our tours run irrespective of the weather and our guides work on Tips only, so be generous!
Mother’s Day 2021
A pocket-friendly option of an Historic walking tour followed by a relaxing tea in the Heritage Shop in the Company Gardens. From 13:30 on Saturdays 8th, 15th, 23rd May. For only R200pp
For more information, contact:
Cell: +27 82 572 7377
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.auntynitas.co.za