Uthando (which means ‘love’) is an inspirational and award-winning programme based in Khayelitsha, Western Cape South Africa.
The programme was established in 2007 by social entrepreneur James Fernie. This non-profit and Fair Trade certified organisation raises funds for community development projects in townships around Cape Town. These projects included urban farming, youth development, seniors, early childhood development, sports, dance, music and township theatres. These projects are established and managed by the township communities and Uthando simply facilities with fundraising and to raise awareness.
"Uthando's respectful, life-changing Philanthropic Educational Excursions allow guests to experience South Africa’s unique spirit of Ubuntu ‘I am because we are."
The challenge
More than half the population of South Africa, 56.8%, lives below the poverty line, one of the highest rates in the world. Uthando addresses this by connecting responsible tourism with community-led development, channelling support to projects and social entrepreneurs across Cape Town working on education, housing, domestic violence, sustainable economic development and unemployment.
Uthando’s approach to addressing the problem
Uthando funds and champions projects run by the townships themselves, connecting them to visiting guests through curated tours. Partners span urban farming, elderly care, early childhood education, dance and theatre, including Farmers of the Home, Home from Home and NOAH (Neighbourhood Old Age Home).
Major achievements and impact to date
Since 2007, Uthando has raised funds running into the millions of rand for community development projects across Cape Town, earning recognition including South Africa’s Inspirational Responsible Tourism Award and multiple TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards. Its fundraising has helped build four early childhood development centres since 2009, and its current Waste to Wonder campaign, turning discarded tyres into community facilities, has seen it nominated for the Earthshot Prize.
How Explorations Company are supporting them
In 2026 Explorations Company has pledged $10,000 USD towards the Goal 50 Educational Hub, the centre at the heart of Uthando’s wider Goal 50 initiative. The donation funds solar panels that cut the hub’s electricity costs and support more than 500 children each week, along with paving works across part of the grounds.
Goal 50 forms part of Uthando’s Waste to Wonder campaign, which transforms landfill waste into community infrastructure. The hub is designed as a model for long-term impact, built and run with the local community rather than for them, with sustainability built into its design from the ground up.
How you can engage with Uthando on your holiday
Spend a morning or afternoon visiting and participating in projects that interest you. You will be introduced to social upliftment work in a sensitive, authentic way, gaining insight into the diverse community projects Uthando supports. This promises to be a transformative experience which will remain with you always. There are no age restrictions and tours are subject to availability.
