When you hop on the Ricksha Bus in Durban, you’re not just signing up for a tour. You’re stepping into a love story between a man and his city.
For almost 20 years, Jeffrey Mthandeni Buthelezi, better known as Mtha, has been showing off Durban’s charm from the top deck of this bright red bus, delighting locals and tourists alike with his humour, storytelling and in-depth knowledge of the city’s past and present.
“I’ve always loved talking to people,” he grins. “As a kid, I was fascinated by tourists.”
Mtha grew up in Isithumba, a scenic Zulu village in the Valley of 1000 Hills – an area rich in culture, nature and, yes, plenty of visitors. “We’d rush to meet them when they arrived in our village,” he recalls. “We’d carry their bags or just walk with them, soaking up their curiosity. That’s where it all began for me.”
After matriculating in 2007, Mtha joined Isithumba Adventures as a trainee guide and later qualified in Nature and Cultural Guiding. His career gained momentum during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he worked marshalling soccer fans between stadiums and township tours. That experience lit a fire, and Mtha hasn’t looked back.
Today, he’s one of Durban’s most beloved faces, guiding passengers on the Ricksha City Bus – a vibrant open-top double-decker that departs twice a day from the Durban Tourism Office on North Beach. The three-hour tour weaves through the city’s heartbeat … historical landmarks, buzzing beachfronts, colourful neighbourhoods and leafy suburbs, all with Mtha’s warm narration bringing the journey to life.
“There’s just something magical about seeing the city from this angle,” he says. “You feel it … the energy, the stories, the beauty.”
The route snakes past Durban High Court, Vasco Da Gama Clock, the iconic Durban City Hall and Francis Farewell Square (his favourite!), before heading out to the elegant suburbs of Berea and Morningside. There’s a quick stop at The Cube – a popular viewpoint – and a glimpse of the majestic Moses Mabhida Stadium, and presidential residence, Dr John L Dube House.
“My goal is to help people feel the city,” he says. “Not just tick off attractions, but connect with its soul.”
And he means it. Mtha remembers faces, not just stops. He recently guided a South African expat visiting from Australia. “He told me stories from his childhood in Durban, then said he hadn’t seen these places in decades. He left with tears in his eyes. That’s when I know I’ve done my job.”
Of course, not every moment is sunshine and sea breeze. Mtha once had to manage a tense moment when a cellphone went missing on the bus. “People panicked, accusations flew, but I stayed calm, respectful and handled it. We even found the phone thanks to camera footage. It’s all part of the job.”
What makes Mtha so good at it? Passion and preparation. “You’re given study material, sure, but that’s just the start. I do my own research, visit places, talk to locals and other guides. We swap stories and even do exchange site visits. You have to stay curious.”
His favourite part? The questions that come after the tour. “When someone says, ‘Tell me more about that place you mentioned,’ it’s the best feeling. It means I sparked something.”
For young people interested in tourism, Mtha’s advice is simple. “Be curious. Be passionate. And love your home as people can feel it when you speak from the heart.”
He recalls a quote that’s stuck with him … ‘A good tour guide can transform a mere visit into a memorable experience, leaving a lasting impression that stays with travellers long after they’ve returned home.’
“That’s the guide I strive to be,” he says, smiling.
Hop on board
Ricksha Bus City Tours are offered twice a day throughout the year except Christmas and New Year’s Day. Morning tours are from 9am to 12pm and afternoon tours are from 1pm to 4pm. Tickets are R100 for adults and R51 for pensioners and children aged four to 17. Details: 031 322 4209 or info@visitdurban.travel
