Africa’s first qualified blind tour guide, Winston Fani, is redefining how people discover and connect with Cape Town.

The Pinelands local never planned to become a tour guide, but after losing his corporate job during the pandemic, he began sharing his love for the city with people from all walks of life. “The rest, as they say, is history,” he says.

With plans to introduce sensory-led tours, Winston is showing visitors new ways to experience the city, proving there’s more than one way to see a city.

These are the places he loves visiting when he’s out exploring the city:

Salt River

Winston launched his street art tours in Salt River in 2023 to show people from all walks of life that anything is possible. Using a method of counting steps and lampposts, Winston navigates the city with precision, stopping at each artwork to bring it to life through vivid storytelling about the pieces and the artists behind them.

“Art is a powerful form of communication; it speaks volumes,” he says. “I repaint the picture in a blind person’s mind, using description and Braille touchpoints to share more about the artwork.” One of his favourite murals is The Man with Dreadlocks, a piece that perfectly captures why art means so much to him.

Winston encourages people visiting Salt River, “Don’t leave without visiting some of the restaurants, bars, and fascinating shops.”

Location: 45 Salt River Rd
Price: Free when exploring the area on your own.

Seven Colours Eatery

Winston loves to cook, but when he and his wife want a break from the kitchen, they visit Seven Colours Eatery in Battery Park to indulge in chef Nolukhanyo Dube-Cele’s menu of

local faire. The restaurant celebrates South Africa’s rich culinary diversity, using farm-fresh ingredients and recipes passed down through generations.

As a Xhosa man, Winston can’t resist a plate of his favourite meats, veggie sides, and all things delicious. “This restaurant feels like home. Everything is prepared with love,” he says. His go-to picks? Mini amagwinya stuffed with mince, the signature Seven Colours plate with oxtail, and a glass of wine to round it off.

Location: Battery Park, 3 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Price: From R80
Website: sevencolourseatery.co.za

Groot Constantia

Winston has become quite the wine connoisseur over the years. One of his favourite places is Groot Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine farm. He enjoys wandering the grounds, sitting on the manor house bench, and soaking in the sounds around him.

“A visit wouldn’t be complete without wine tasting,” he laughs. “There’s a thin line between drinking and tasting wine. You’ve got to pick out the different aromas, the varietals, and tasting notes.”

His favourite is the Groot Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2019, which won the prestigious International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy at the 2020 International Wine Challenge.

Location: Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia
Price: Wine tasting from R155pp
Website: grootconstantia.co.za

To book a tour with Winston, please call 072 319 9940.

 

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