Why travel bloggers are the new voices of South African tourism
As we celebrate Heritage Day on 24 September, we are reminded that heritage is not only preserved in museums or archives, but lived daily through language, food, music, sport and hospitality.
Image: YouTube
A recent YouTube clip by Tim Cocker, from the popular rugby channel "EggChasers", had South Africans puffing out their chests and wiping away tears.
Standing on Llandudno beach in Cape Town, Cocker recorded what has become perhaps the best tribute South Africa could ask for.
His reflections captured what every South African knows in their heart to be true: despite its challenges, this country remains one of the most extraordinary places in the world to live and to visit.
What made the broadcast so powerful is that Cocker did what tourism campaigns often struggle to achieve: he spoke with the voice of a traveller, fresh from discovery, and completely unscripted.
His journey took him from safaris in the bush to Gqeberha, along the Garden Route, and finally to Cape Town. In his closing clip, he articulated the wonder of it all in a way that left even locals choked up:
“I’ve learnt that baby cheetahs come out looking like a honey badger, as a defence mechanism because no one messes with a honey badger. I’ve learnt about the phrase now-now – that it could mean five minutes or two hours, and you never know which.
“I’ve learnt about the word "sjoe" … I’ve learnt about dassies. The natural beauty of South Africa is absolutely astounding. Just when you think to take a photo of a view that is breathtaking … put your camera away and go around the next corner, because there will be an even better view.”
As we celebrate Heritage Day on September 24, we are reminded that heritage is not only preserved in museums or archives, but lived daily through language, food, music, sport and hospitality. It is also a moment to reflect on how these expressions of identity are experienced by visitors, who carry home a piece of South Africa’s story.
“This mirrors a wider trend we’ve noticed among our guests,” says Vincent Bouwer, from Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges. “Visitors increasingly want to immerse themselves in culture rather than skim the surface. Guests don’t just want a comfortable stay; they want authentic experiences, taste local flavours, and connect with the stories that make South Africa unique.”
Cocker summed it up perfectly in his farewell: “If you live in South Africa, don’t ever take it for granted.”
IOL Travel