Celebrating the Power of Women in Tourism

anthearos

September 2025

At Dreamcatcher South Africa we’ve been very busy with our passion — working in communities. With Women’s Month closing yesterday and Tourism Month and Heritage Month both starting today, this feels like the perfect moment to share updates from the Dreamcatcher world.

We are reminded of the powerful story behind the celebration of Women’s Month in South Africa.

On 9 August 1956, more than 20,000 women of all races and backgrounds marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria, protesting apartheid’s extension of pass laws to Black women. Led by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Rahima Moosa, and Sophia Williams-De Bruyn, they carried petitions with over 100,000 signatures, stood in silence for 30 minutes — and then sang the now-iconic words:

“Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo!” (“You strike a woman, you strike a rock!”)

The march became a lasting symbol of unity, courage, and women’s leadership in shaping South Africa’s future. ‘Women’s Month’ celebrates the continuing role of women in building a free, inclusive, and thriving society. This year’s ‘Women’s Month’ theme, “Building Resilient Economies for All,” is at the very heart of Dreamcatcher’s work since our founding over three decades ago. As we step into ‘Tourism Month’, we continue this journey with the Dreamcatcher Kamamma enterprises who welcome international guests into their communities and Homestays, offer vibrant Cook-Ups and storytelling around the table and leading community walkabouts, celebrating culture, heritage & resilience.

The Dreamcatcher family is a network of enterprises, board members, supporters, and volunteers — all working together for local economic growth, environmental protection, and community development. This image captures some of the amazing women who have played a pivotal role in our journey.

Today, we honour and celebrate the Dreamcatcher family including those who are sadly no longer with us, and those across the world who have supported us through thick and thin! These women led by Dreamcatcher’s Founder Anthea have been a rock in pioneering inclusive tourism and its benefits in South Africa.

Throughout September we will share updates on our recent activities and community impact.

A New Home Office in Melkhoutfontein – celebrating Workers Day

May 4, 2026

We are delighted to have settled into our new Home Office in the heart of Melkhoutfontein — a welcoming and inspiring base from which to grow our work, support enterprises and strengthen community connection. As well as being our administrative office the Dreamcatcher Kids visit twice a week and during school holidays, where they are welcomed into a safe, nurturing space that supports their holistic development. Here, they receive homework assistance, nutritious meals, and opportunities for cognitive growth, creativity, and play—while building social skills, strengthening cultural identity, developing environmental awareness, and growing in confidence. On Workers’ Day, 1 May, Dreamcatcher Kamammas, enterprises and Kids who were available gathered for a joyful celebration. Our legendary CookUp Kamammas prepared delicious food, while project updates were shared, including current initiatives and exciting new programmes soon coming on stream. True to the inclusive spirit of Dreamcatcher, the gathering also created space for discussion, future ideas, practical suggestions and enterprise support. The afternoon ended beautifully with Dreamcatcher children and youth performing a cultural dance celebrating their heritage. The dance, originally developed with volunteer Ally from the United States for a musical staged in April 2025, previously received a standing ovation. After covering event costs through ticket sales, the children generously donated the remaining proceeds — together with eight reams of printing paper — to Melkhoutfontein Primary School to support the school’s valuable work and learning resources. Just as we have done at our previous Home Office (2008-2022), we look forward to continuing to make a positive impact—welcoming international visitors, building meaningful connections, empowering youth and creating many more inspiring stories together 😊

Tourism That Benefits Communities

April 16, 2026

Homestay and CookUp Kamammas host visitors from various countries, offering community homestays, traditional meals, guided tours, and cultural exchanges, supporting

Dreamcatcher engagement with Melkhoutfontein Primary School post

Investing in the Future: Over 20 Years of Working with Local Youth and Melkhoutfontein Primary School

April 1, 2026

Engaging with local youth has always been at the heart of Dreamcatcher’s work. For more than two decades, we have built a strong and meaningful partnership with Melkhoutfontein Primary School — working together to create opportunities, inspire learning, and support the wellbeing of young people in the community. Over the years, this journey has been shaped by collaboration, creativity, and a shared commitment to making a difference. It began in the 1990s with Headteacher Mr Appolis, continued under the guidance of Mr Kleinhans, and then Mrs Flores. Today, we are proud to continue this legacy in partnership with our current Headteacher, Mr Cuttings. Here are some of the highlights since 2013: 📚 Building Foundations for Learning In 2013, with the support of volunteers Marijke and Marjolein from the Netherlands, we helped establish the very first library at Melkhoutfontein Primary School — opening up a world of reading and imagination for learners. Our commitment to literacy has continued over the years. In 2022, we coordinated the STEPi programme to support literacy and cognitive development, including the donation of 362 books to the school. 💪 Supporting Health and Wellbeing In 2015, we launched Kick-Up with Kamamma, a programme designed to support both physical and mental wellbeing, created by our Founder in collaboration with United States fitness professional Debbie Siebers. Filmed at the school, the initiative continues to inspire movement, confidence, and joy. Recently we have been back at the school where our team have been leading Kick-Up classes, Health education has also been a key focus. In 2016, Dr Jean Penny from the USA worked with learners to promote the importance of hygiene, while in 2019 we partnered with Dentaid (UK) to deliver oral health education to 800 learners — with 255 children receiving dental assessments over two weeks. 🎓 Volunteers Our work extends far beyond traditional learning. Volunteers like Romy (Netherlands) have supported geography and literacy, while professional triathlete Evert (Netherlands) encouraged physical activity and healthy lifestyles. In 2025 Ally (USA) Dreamcatcher volunteer supported a powerful community musical called Oop Hok (“Open Cage”) in Melkhoutfontein. Performed by learners and Kamammas, the production explored the heritage and journey of the Khoekhoen people while creating a space for cultural expression and identity. The project also successfully raised funds to support Melkhoutfontein Primary School and Dreamcatcher Kids programme leaving a lasting impact on the community. 🎶 Creativity, Culture, and Inspiration In 2023, we welcomed Dennis Warner and his band from the USA as part of their South Africa tour. Their performances supported literacy and cognitive development, bringing music, storytelling, and inspiration directly to the community including a performance at Melkhoutfontein Primary School and a special performance on the beach for some learners. We remain deeply committed to supporting local youth—both within the school and through our Dreamcatcher Kids programme—nurturing potential, inspiring confidence, and helping shape the next generation of changemakers.