About Mama Tofu
When you meet Mama Tofu, you will know immediately that you have stepped into the shadow of a giant. MAMA Nomathathana Tofu was born in 1920 and is today still as clear-minded, as ever at the mature age of 88.
She started her carreer in tourism at the age of 79, as the cultural director of a traditional Xhosa village Khaya La Bantu in Mooiplaas near East London.
Mama Tofu lost her first born son, Gcinumzi Theophlus Jobodwana to pneumonia two years after his incarceration in Robben Island in 1978, where he was imprisoned with Nelson Mandela, which she still sometimes talks about.
Today, Mama Tofu offers a really authentic Xhosa experience, to travellers and tourists from all over the globe, right here in her own village in Ngxingxolo, Mooiplaas.
Expect to spend the night being entertained by Zinzi, her oldest daughter and experience traditional Xhosa dancing of her family.
Mama Tofu will hold your hand warmly, while she talks about the Xhosa legends and tales of the area. A warm plate of traditional Xhosa food will fill your stomach before retiring in one of the traditional huts in her village.
In the morning you'll be submerged in Xhosa culture customs like manhood initiation, when a boy becomes a man and the customs of the villagers both in the past and present. A truly amazing experience.
Booking a sleepover at Mama Tofus
You can contact Zinzi on (+27) 73 1487511. Booking is essential.
Getting there
Zap these coordinates onto your GPS or mobile phone with GPS, and let the Navigation software do the rest. You can reach Mama Tofu without a 4x4.
S32 44.422 E28 03.557.
Mama Tofu in the news
