When you hop on the Ricksha Bus in Durban, you\u2019re not just signing up for a tour. You\u2019re stepping into a love story between a man and his city.<\/p>\n
For almost 20 years, Jeffrey Mthandeni Buthelezi, better known as Mtha, has been showing off Durban\u2019s 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\u2019s past and present.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always loved talking to people,\u201d he grins. \u201cAs a kid, I was fascinated by tourists.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/highway-berea\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/04\/IMG_9020-267x400.jpg\")
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. \u201cWe\u2019d rush to meet them when they arrived in our village,\u201d he recalls. \u201cWe\u2019d carry their bags or just walk with them, soaking up their curiosity. That\u2019s where it all began for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019t looked back.<\/p>\n
Today, he\u2019s one of Durban\u2019s 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\u2019s heartbeat … historical landmarks, buzzing beachfronts, colourful neighbourhoods and leafy suburbs, all with Mtha\u2019s warm narration bringing the journey to life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s just something magical about seeing the city from this angle,\u201d he says. \u201cYou feel it … the energy, the stories, the beauty.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy goal is to help people feel the city,\u201d he says. \u201cNot just tick off attractions, but connect with its soul.\u201d<\/p>\n
And he means it. Mtha remembers faces, not just stops. He recently guided a South African expat visiting from Australia. \u201cHe told me stories from his childhood in Durban, then said he hadn\u2019t seen these places in decades. He left with tears in his eyes. That\u2019s when I know I\u2019ve done my job.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cPeople panicked,\u00a0 accusations flew, but I stayed calm, respectful and handled it. We even found the phone thanks to camera footage. It\u2019s all part of the job.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/getitmagazine.co.za\/highway-berea\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2025\/04\/20250410_082541-300x400.jpg\")
What makes Mtha so good at it? Passion and preparation. \u201cYou\u2019re given study material, sure, but that\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
His favourite part? The questions that come after the tour. \u201cWhen someone says, \u2018Tell me more about that place you mentioned,\u2019 it\u2019s the best feeling. It means I sparked something.\u201d<\/p>\n
For young people interested in tourism, Mtha\u2019s advice is simple. \u201cBe curious. Be passionate. And love your home as people can feel it when you speak from the heart.\u201d<\/p>\n
He recalls a quote that\u2019s stuck with him …\u00a0 \u2018A good tour guide can transform a mere visit into a memorable experience, leaving a lasting impression that stays with travellers long after they\u2019ve returned home.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the guide I strive to be,\u201d he says, smiling.<\/p>\n
Hop on board<\/strong><\/p>\n Ricksha Bus City Tours are offered twice a day throughout the year except Christmas and New Year\u2019s 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<\/a> or info@visitdurban.travel<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When you hop on the Ricksha Bus in Durban, you\u2019re not just signing up for a tour. You\u2019re 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\u2019s charm from the top deck of this bright red bus, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":43876,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[11457,11456,11458],"class_list":{"0":"post-43856","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-personalities","8":"tag-jeffrey-mthandeni-buthelezi","9":"tag-ricksha-bus","10":"tag-ricksha-bus-city-tours"},"yoast_head":"\n