Kopanong is the oldest Bed & breakfast in Khayelitsha, Cape Town’s largest township.

It was founded in 1999 by community activist Thope Lekau, and has since been taken over by her daughter Mpho Lekau following Thope’s passing.

The BnB, with only three rooms, has welcomed people from all over the world, but more recently Mpho has also been hosting an increasing number of local visitors from other South African cities who travel to Khayelitsha on family visits or church events, for example. The guesthouse is about more than welcoming visitors, it is also about putting Khayelitsha on the tourist map, and capturing a small slice of the significant revenue generated by tourism in the Cape Town area. Mpho works with a number of local guides, baristas and fellow tourist operators to make this happen and create synergies with local business.

Mpho is keen to build on Kopanong’s solid foundations. The infrastructure is there, but she needs to develop a solid marketing strategy, including on social media, in order to attract more customers. Better record keeping will also help her to understand her revenue patterns and develop a more targeted pricing strategy.

The vision for Kopanong is one of measured but sustainable growth. Mpho aims to expand capacity by increasing both room availability and guest numbers during peak seasons while maintaining quality service. She envisions adding perhaps two or even three additional rooms, managing bookings to avoid turning away potential guests during busy periods. This approach reflects her commitment to building a thriving business that serves both her community and the diverse visitors who seek authentic experiences in Khayelitsha.