From the Drakensberg Rock Paintings to the historical Isandlwana, comes Durban’s historical beacon, Curries Fountain Stadium. A site where during her visit to Durban in 1947, Queen Elizabeth had her parade.

Tapered in history, the KZN Amafa and Research Institute recently officially declared the stadium as a provincial heritage site.

MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Mntomuhle Khawula has welcomed the declaration.

“The declaration formally acknowledges the Curries Fountain Stadium as a site of exceptional historical, cultural and social significance to the people of KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa,” said Khawula.

Named after Durban’s first reliable water source, established on the site in 1878, it was officially designated as a sports ground in 1924.

To this day Curries Fountain has become an important venue for multiple sport codes, social, recreational and labour movement activities, while also playing a vital role in the struggle for non-racial sport.

Also read: 5 heritage sites to visit in KZN

“The declaration of this site represents an important step in recognising and protecting a place that holds historical, cultural and social significance, ensuring that the heritage significance of Curries Fountain Stadium is formally recognised and protected for future generations,” the institute shared.

“In modern times, the site continues to resonate as a common ground, a place where diverse cultures gather for entertainment events, community programmes, and celebrations of heritage. Its legacy connects both the past and present; from the fight against exclusion to today’s vision of social cohesion and shared identity,” said Khawula.

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