The Maboneng Township Arts Experience welcomes visitors from all over the world to enjoy guided tours of the novel home galleries in Alexandra and Soweto.
After struggling to exhibit his work as an artist, Siphiwe Ngwenya, the founder of the organisation, turned to his own community to exhibit his work in homes around Alexandra, Gauteng. Now the mission of his nonprofit destination development initiative is to turn townships into towns by turning “homes into attractions and communities into creative districts".
Tours offered include the Alexandra Township Arts & Heritage Experience, where Alexandra is explored through their heritage plaques route. In the full day Alexandra Township Arts Tour, visitors can tour gallery homes and meet with artists, take part in art and music workshops, and visit Mandela's old home on 7th avenue. Finally, they end the day with a traditional home-cooked meal.
The Maboneng Precinct and Soweto arts tours explore the growing creative scene in Maboneng and visit Vilakazi Street, the Soweto Towers, and gallery homes to meet the hosts and artists. They welcome input from guests in deciding destinations and routes to be taken on the tours.
The future-forward non-profit also offers a one of a kind 360-degree virtual reality tour where guests can watch Alexandra Township transform into a town, as homes become art galleries. Being community-driven, proceeds always go back to community members and artists.