Reviving culture and heritage
Hundreds assembled to celebrate the King Cetshwayo monument at KwaNdaya Reserve in eSikhaleni.
AT the base of the KwaNdaye Reseve mountains in eSikhaleni seNkosi, alongside the Nozalela River overlooking the Indian Ocean, lies the monument of late Zulu leader, His Majesty King Cetshwayo KaMpande.
Surrounded by magnificent dune forest, hundreds of community members and leaders assembled at the site to rediscover history on Saturday.
Culture, history and heritage was celebrated at the the historical site.
It is the spot where King Cetshwayo was captured and sent to Cape Town, and eventually to London in 1879.
He was subsequently sent into exile after British troops invaded Zululand.
It is said that Zulu warriors watched as Queen Victoria’s boats stroked gigantic waves and disappeared into the horizon with their King on board.
Saturday’s celebration was spearheaded by Intsha Manje Project in a joint venture with various businesses, aimed at reviving culture and to encourage young people to learn about their background.
‘This is a remembrance of the King, and we want young people to learn more about their culture and history,’ said KwaNdaya Youth Development Committee Chairperson Emmanuel Nxumalo.
Tourism destination
According to Nxumalo, a museum will soon be built on the site which will boost tourism.
‘There is so much people can learn here, and we plan to make sure we attract tourists to come to our area. The priority now is to find funding,’ he said.
The programme was also supported by the uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation (uCTO).
‘With the renaming of the region to King Cetshwayo on the cards, the site can be the focal point of the region, and can be used as part of township tours,’ said committee member Dave Savides.
Prince Goodenough Zulu from the Royal House officially unveiled the monument, and encouraged the business sector to invest in the development of the area.
