Christmas decor the Zulu way at King Shaka Airport

Zulu Christmas elves have skillfully turned about 3,27 million beads into stunning decorations to give festive season tourists a warm welcome to King Shaka International Airport.

Visitors are already intrigued by the massive bauble that houses a group of vibrantly dressed women surrounded by colourful beads who are making a massive bow that will soon crown the selfie-station for Santa.

This year’s proudly KZN inspired Christmas decor was created by the marketing agency for Airports Company South Africa, Kwenda Marketing.

Marketing manager Nicola Naidoo said they created a unique concept for each airport to suit its region.

“Traditional African bead work is a perfect fit for King Shaka International Airport. With community upliftment in mind, Shopping Centre Design – Kwenda Marketing’s festive décor supplier – sourced around 50 beading specialists from all over in KZN and managed to contact the ladies from the rural areas through word of mouth among the Zulu community,” said Naidoo.

The airport’s assistant general manager Azwifaneli Mphaphuli said they are proud to showcase to everyone who arrives at the airport that they are in the Zulu Kingdom.

“As King Shaka International Airport is one of the main ports of entry into KZN, we wanted to highlight the Zulu culture this festive season with the aim of incorporating this rich indigenous tradition to give passengers a memorable experience,” said Mphaphuli.

Shopping Centre Design’s Jannie de Wet said the exciting decor project has been an incredible journey for him and the women.

“The best part of this project is seeing the joy in the eyes and faces of these lovely ladies – knowing they made an income for Christmas and seeing the pride among the Zulu people when they see their culture and heritage being celebrated at the airport,” said De Wet.

Pop in for a visit to enjoy the festive atmosphere and make sure not to miss the airport’s special Family Day on December 16 in celebration of the Day of Reconciliation.

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