Rickshaw puller (61) wins big in Durban for his contribution to tourism

Entrepreneurs in the tourism, hospitality and creative industries received a much-needed boost for their businesses when they were honoured at the second Durban Tourism Business Awards on Thursday, June 15… writes Nia Louw, Berea Mail.

This year’s rickshaw-puller winner was 61-year-old Mjabuliseni Dlamini. He said the R50,000 prize money will help him to renovate his rickshaw as it has been difficult to save, because business has been slow since Covid-19. Majbuliseni said:

“I am so grateful to be honoured by the eThekwini Municipality in this way. The municipality recognises that rickshaw pullers are a very important part of tourism in Durban.”

Dlamini says that the iconic Durban tourist attraction is a major pull for tourists, and the former security guard says he left his job and decided to become a rickshaw puller more than 12 years ago.

“I was here in 2010, and the tourists could not get enough of the rickshaw rides. Rickshaws go back generations, and I believe it is something that should be passed down as it is a big part of our heritage. It is sometimes a tough business, but it is worth it when awards like this are won and your hard work is recognised. I would like to thank the municipality and encourage other rickshaw pullers to stay true to their jobs.”

The 61-year-old says he has used the money he received to renovate his rickshaw and will continue to do his best to represent the beautiful city of Durban as a veteran rickshaw puller.

eThekwini mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said the awards, which attracted 155 nominees this year, formed part of the City’s drive to resuscitate the tourism sector. They also aimed to ensure that the sector continued to be a catalyst for economic growth in the city.

“It is these exceptional offerings by tourism product owners that makes this sector continue to be one of our largest industries in eThekwini.”

The awards took place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre. As much as praise was heaped on five-star hotels and local Grammy Award-winning artists in the city, the night also belonged to rickshaw pullers, craft makers and tour guides.

This feel-good story by Nia Louw first appeared in the Berea Mail, and is republished here with the newspaper’s kind permission.