SIPHIWE Rakgabale (38) an eco-warrior, and nature lover is now the successful business owner of Tri-Eco Tours in Durban.
He is also the WESSA Durban youth branch, and Green Corridors’ Litterbooms and Clean-ups coordinator. Rakgabale was one of the first nature and cultural guides mentored, trained and employed through Green Corridors’ sustainable development programme to empower young people in the enviro-tourism industry, with a view of them starting their own business in this sector.
He was born in Pinetown and grew up in Soweto. He found his way back to KwaZulu-Natal as a young adult to reconnect with his family. He ended up working at a retail store in Durban’s West Street, in various departments over the years.
“I loved my jobs, and did well,” he said.
“But there was something missing and felt unfulfilled, and very frustrated. During my lunch breaks, I used to go for walks to the beach and loved listening to the birds, seeing the trees, the blue sky. It was there that I felt at peace.”
As he drew closer to nature, Rakgabale started volunteering at the Beachwood Mangrove clean-ups where he met former head of Green Corridors Gary Cullen, and others in the Umgeni Estuary Conservancy including Margaret Burger of WESSA.
He planted trees and cleared trails for hiking with Burger, and also enjoyed birding in the Umgeni Estuary Conservancy. He then joined Green Corridors when the Green Hub (near Blue Lagoon) was formed ahead of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Rakgabale’s love for nature and passion for the environment was evident. He was among the first people employed by Green Corridors and worked as an ambassador approaching companies for support.
His enthusiasm and interest led him to train as a tour and nature guide through the Wilderness Leadership School. After working for Green Corridors for seven years.
He left to pursue a sought-after retail position, but soon realised his heart remained in the natural environment. In 2017 he established Tri-Eco Tours, a partnership with Bike and Saddle operating from Green Corridors offices, offering biking tours around Durban.
In 2020 Rakgabale started offering bike hire, guided canoeing and bike tours for individuals and groups as well as school groups. Hard-hit by the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, his business all but shut down that year.
“There were no enquiries, no leads, no bookings and no people to take out on walks, rides and trails. It was hard for all of us in tourism during the hard lockdown,” he said.
“I used the time to invest into my business and home life. I rebuilt my website, did some maintenance on my home and focused on beach clean ups and managing Green Corridors’ litter booms,” he added.
Now that Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, Rakgabale’s tours are now fully operational with the necessary protocols in place.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have been given to really stretch my wings in this enviro-tourism sector. I care deeply about our planet and am so pleased that I am able to now run my own business and create a sustainable living from all that I love.”
To book a cycle tour around the city call 031 322 6026 or send a Whatsapp to 078 7264 890.
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