Cultural experience attracts visitors

The Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre recently hosted the inaugural Kurudi Afrika Cultural Experience in Mtwalume.

Held over four days, the culturally unique programme commemorated the 1906 Bhambatha Rebellion, which saw the Zulu rising against the cruel colonial poll tax – a pivotal moment in the country’s history.

The event started with a packed seminar discussion led by a panel of experts from tertiary and cultural institutions, followed by a theatre exhibition with performances by 18 groups from KZN and beyond.

The third day of the experience was a business fair that welcomed seasoned business people who outlined how cultural organisations from the district could compete on an international level. On day four, artists performed live music around the triple theme of ‘humanity, respect and dignity’.

The director of Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre, Howard Msomi, said between 2 000 and 3 000 people attended, including 20 cultural groups and traditional healers.

He said the ‘all-encompassing cultural and creative initiative’ attracted thousands of visitors who contributed towards the development of the rural economy.

Msani added that the programme was well received, with packed seminars and engaged audiences.

“This was the first of what will be an annual programme which we intend to grow into a worldwide tourist attraction, with next year’s dates being March 19 to 23,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise, Deborah Ludick, said the South Coast is a nature lover’s paradise, with ocean sunrises and hinterland adventures making it an ultimate retreat.

Ludick said they look forward to sharing the region’s many tourism assets with visitors as the year progresses, including the much-anticipated Sardine Run in the winter months as well as the Sardine Festival that promises a bumper line-up.

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