Township-tourism ‘Kasified’ evokes meaningful change

Nestled just 11km inland from Shelly Beach lies the heart of our hinterland, Gamalakhe.

This modern cultural village, set among rolling hills and prolific valleys, is home to an experience known locally as the Kasified Eksperience.

‘Kasi’ is the isiZulu word for town and ‘fied’ is added on to amplify one’s knowledge of the authentic township experience.

The idea of Kasified came into being in 2017 when Musa Khowa celebrated his 27th birthday in the parking lot of Gamalakhe College.

Friends from across the province joined together in celebration of this occasion.

In true African style there were beats dropping, bodies moving, Shisanyama grilling and drinks flowing.

And before they knew it, there were over 100 people in that parking lot, in joyous celebration.

“We don’t know if it was the beauty of the African sun, the way in which it set over the valleys, or maybe it was the spirit and joy of the people. Or perhaps it was just one too many zamaleks,” said Musa.

What he does know is that in that moment, that very moment, he and his friends were spurred to recreate the experience.

It would soon become known as Kasified, helping shape the future of the village.

This movement, founded by Musa and friends Cebo Cebekhulu, Sfiso Mbambo, Mpilo Shusha and Ayanda Masengemi, envisioned the revival of township culture and the removal of the stigma that might have existed in the minds of many people.

But first, they needed a venue.

They came upon the old and abandoned depot of the Ijuba brewery.

Struck by its unique beauty and heritage, these young entrepreneurs thought it to be the appropriate venue for such a venture.

This building had been barren since the 1980s and was brought back to life in December 2017, making its return as The Kasified Eksperience.

Today, Kasified Eksperience hosts a diverse range of events which empower and fully endorse the local community.

All sound, lighting and bathroom facilities are sourced from Gamalakhe-based businesses and their live entertainment consists only of local talent, such as resident DJs, jazz artists, RnB and gospel singers.

Shisanyama vendors, too, can find a home in Kasified and are a welcome addition at all these events.

It doesn’t stop there, and is certainly not just one big party.

Musa and friends have not only created a unique township-tourism product, but have also given back all the love and support received from the community, through the establishment of projects that evoke meaningful change.

They have also embarked on numerous indabas over the last four years which have contributed to the betterment of Gamalakhe, from food parcels, back-to-school campaigns, clothing drives and student career expos.

When visiting the unique venue, one is struck by the abundance of tastefully placed and beautifully expressed graffiti, created by our very own Banksy of the township, although we are told that he prefers to go by Menzi!

Menzi Delwa is the man responsible for this creation in which he expresses the views and the heart of his township.

His artistic creations are scattered throughout the Kasified establishment, and all pieces are unique, telling a tale of their own.

But there’s one creation in particular that projects the most striking story, and that is the map, pinpointing Gamalakhe, shining a light on a paradise that has never been illuminated before.

* Southern Explorer is proud to announce it will be teaming up with Musa Khowa and packaging a bouquet of hinterland tours, revealing the fine qualities of this community and the beauty that lies within these villages.

(Written by Pearl Erasmus, Southern Explorer)

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