For 32-year-old Nomzamo Entile, founder of Explore Our Hood, working in tourism is a calling. Her tourism business prioritises the knowledge of food, culture and more, that is passed down from older women in her community, as well as upskilling local artists and entrepreneurs. Within her first year of operation Explore Our Hood was named a George Business Chamber Entrepreneur of the year finalist for 2018/2019.

I am blessed to be in a community full of culture and old folks who can pass the knowledge down to me. I have the youth around me whom I can then teach and pass the wisdom on to. The tourism industry is a place that will, at least, restore the dignity of our people by preserving and embracing our culture.

The former Capetonian moved to George, her late mother’s birthplace, in her early teenage years. After matriculating at Thembalethu High School, Entile went on to study financial management at South Cape College for two semesters, and then obtained her national diploma in human resource management at Northern Cape College in Kimberley.

Entile knew that working in a corporate space was not something she felt encapsulated all of her passions, as an artist and someone who yearns for more freedom than a 9-5 job affords. “I relate more to the tourism industry, especially as an artist and as a young woman who always wanted to learn about the history of my people and the Xhosa culture,” she says.

Helping more people share in amaXhosa culture and cuisine are two areas Entile feels strongly about. Supporting women in her community is also of great importance. “A woman who can’t provide for her family — that family, and the entire community is doomed without that type of dignified woman,” says Entile.

“In my business I specialise in many aspects of my Xhosa culture, especially Xhosa cuisine. Not only am I employing women, but I am giving back to my community based on the principles of ubuntu, and the belief that women collectives provide important opportunities for them to pool together effectively.”

— Youlendree Appasamy

Facebook: @mzamo.entile