Expressing Love for Nature and the Great Outdoors
6 June 2021
Meet Cynthia Ncumisa Jonas, the City of Cape Town’s Manager for Economic Development in Area North. Cynthia loves nature and spending time outdoors. We caught up with her recently for a quick Q&A about the job and her abiding love for the city.
You are the City of Cape Town’s Manager for Area Economic Development North. What does the job entail?
The role entails leading, managing and coordinating informal trading operations, as well as the implementation of Area Economic Development strategies that aim to contribute in the development and growth of the informal sector within the City of Cape Town’s Area North.
Describe yourself in one sentence
Those around me describe me as a hardworking and goal orientated individual, who is apparently very feisty when it comes to achieving set goals. But I describe myself as an honest person who loves adventure and hanging out in nature!
What do you enjoy most about living and working in Cape Town?
The fact that I am working for one of the biggest and best municipalities in South Africa, let alone that it’s ranked as one of the top tourism destinations in the world, makes me feel like I have won the lottery! I really enjoy the diverse tourism product offerings and diverse cultures Cape Town has to offer. The views and sea breeze I get to enjoy while travelling to work means that I can unwind without having to break the bank or get out of the city at all.
Over weekends I get to explore as many attractions as I wish, as if I were a tourist in another country. There is so much to explore and enjoy right on my door step. From national parks to blue flag beaches to world class shopping experiences to world class events to wine estates, to heritage and historical sites and vibrant nightlife. It’s all there and much of it comes at no cost to me as a local, as well as visitors.
Looking at your social media accounts, you seem to enjoy travelling and nature. What is your favourite outdoor spot in Cape Town?
You are spot on! I’m a lover of all things adventurous! The seventh wonder of nature, the Table Mountain National Park, is literally my playground and that is where you will find me almost every weekend.
One is spoilt for choice with the various hiking routes on offer.
There is so much that the national park has to offer that many people are missing out on, such as exploring and swimming in the various dams at the top of the mountain, exploring the museum, spending a night at the various accommodation establishments on offer, enjoying picnics and braais (barbecue), as well as the beautiful views of the city that stretch all the way to the famous Robben Island Museum on the one side to popular Camps Bay beach on the other side.
Did I mention that hiking is mahala (free of charge) at most routes and I get to interact with people from diverse cultures and from all over the world?
Why should people visit Cape Town?
People should visit Cape Town to experience its natural beauty, rich history as well as the diverse cultures and cuisine. Cape Town’s international accolades are a proof that it’s a destination worth visiting repeatedly.
One thing I would recommend for first timers is to explore the big six tourism attractions. I know that equates to six things to do, but that basket of attractions just sums up Cape Town attractions as it includes the Table Mountain Arial Cableway, the V&A Waterfront, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Groot Constantia, Robben Island and Cape Point!
