A first-of-its-kind universal access movement, ‘Limitless Cape Town’, has been launched by Cape Town Tourism, the official Destination Marketing and Management Organisation for the City of Cape Town.

This movement ensures all people have equal opportunity and access to Cape Town’s tourism landscape, to make the city more inclusive to all individuals, regardless of ability.

The initiative introduces city-wide Braille touch-points and South Africa’s first-ever qualified blind tour guide to create a tourism environment that allows anyone to embark on adventures across the Mother City, without facing barriers or discrimination.

Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, said the movement reflected the organisation’s commitment to providing accessible and welcoming experiences and inspiring people to explore new horizons, break barriers, and create unforgettable memories.

“We are here to ignite an evolution of universal access. Leading up to Mandela Day serves as a reminder of Madiba's legacy of committed peace, social justice and, most importantly, equality, by shattering barriers, unveiling opportunities, and empowering every visitor. That’s why our goal with this movement is to drive limitless possibilities for everyone, no matter their abilities, transforming Cape Town into an accessible destination for all." 

James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth at the City of Cape Town, added: “As we launch this exciting and inspiring movement that will pave the way for universal accessible tourism in Cape Town, we are showing that we care and co-operate to make our city a destination that puts the needs of people first to ensure that our products and places are accessible when it comes to functionality and features.”

‘Limitless Cape Town’ offerings

Cape Town Tourism has installed Braille touch-points on street art murals in Salt River, and Cape Town’s iconic yellow frames at tourist attractions across the city, as the first phase of the project.

The DMO has also incorporated QR codes linked to audio content, describing the views and art murals by voice, so all visitors can enjoy the experience.

The locations of the yellow frames include the V&A Waterfront, Signal Hill, Blouberg – Eden on the Bay, District Six, and Silo District.

 “Our new yellow frame Braille touch-points ensure visually impaired guests enjoy every aspect of the Mother City experience. They capture every detail of the scenery through that specific frame, and the awe-inspiring sight of the magnificent flat-topped Table Mountain,” said Wahida Parker, Chairperson of the Cape Town Tourism Board and the MD of Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.   

Cape Town Tourism also plans to develop social media content with audio options, create maps profiling accessible routes, conduct sensitivity and awareness training workshops, and introduce audio maps of accessible Cape Town routes.

“We're also looking at developing more enhanced audio guides via QR codes for menus in restaurants, artwork in hotels and guesthouses. We're also committed to supporting kids with disabilities as our future leaders in tourism activities and programmes, and we challenge all DMOs and industry associations in Africa to also commit to promoting universal access,” said Duminy.

First-ever blind tour guide

One of the most remarkable embodiments of the campaign’s vision is the story of Winston Fani, a 35-year-old South African who did not allow his glaucoma-related blindness to stand in the way of his passion for tourism.

Earlier this year, after hearing his story, Cape Town Tourism sponsored Fani’s tuition to obtain his tourism qualification and become South Africa’s first-ever qualified blind tour guide.

He offers guests a unique interactive street art tour in Salt River, showcasing the impressive murals, the artists behind them, and the narratives they represent.

Fani uses an unprecedented technique of counting steps and lampposts to arrive at the appropriate artwork, combining this with his eloquent descriptions of the works and their creators to inspire guests.

In addition to these exceptional abilities, he complements the tour with a personal perspective on life as a visually impaired person, demonstrating how features in the environment, such as tactile paving, can be used as guides for visually impaired individuals.

“I had a dream to prove to the world that being blind shouldn't be an obstacle. I didn't let my blindness prevent me from realising my vision of becoming a tourist guide and thanks to the immense support of my family and Cape Town Tourism, that dream has turned into a reality,” Fani said.