PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
08 March 2024

Commemorating Zulu stalwarts at Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre this March

The Bhambatha Rebellion tells the story of the 1906 Zulu uprising against the cruel colonial poll tax which resulted in the imprisonment and death of thousands of Zulu warriors. This pivotal moment in history will be commemorated at KwaZulu-Natal South Coast’s Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre – supported by South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) – through a school and public programme in February and March.

“The Kurudi Afrika Programme is an all-encompassing cultural and creative initiative that seeks to promote rural economic development and propel the cultural creative sector to the mainstream economy,” explained Howard Msomi, Director of Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre in Mthwalume. “This is now an annual programme which we intend to grow into a worldwide tourist attraction.”

Kurudi Afrika Schools Programme

Schoolchildren will get the chance to watch this key moment in Zulu history brought to life through the Bhambatha KaMancinza Musical Epic written and directed by Howard Msomi. This cultural feature is running until 15 March with daily shows at 10am and 12pm. The cost is R45 per person which includes a light lunch.

Kurudi Afrika Public Programme

“This year, Kurudi Afrika is celebrating the 118th anniversary of the Bhambatha Rebellion with a four-day programme,” explained Msomi. “This will cater to all interests while celebrating African history and African people today.”

1906 Poll Tax Uprising Seminar
Date: 20 March
Time: 2pm

Academics, historians, and those with an interest in heritage will benefit from this seminar that looks at the Kurudi philosophy of 6 pillars: African origin, African family, the African guardian, African family wealth, African family inheritance, and African family legacy. The seminar will outline how the uprising affected the social fabric of the African people.

Kurudi Afrika Theatre Exhibition
Date: 21 March
Time: 8am

Various theatre groups will stage productions based on the Bhambatha Rebellion in a competitive format, with the best production awarded on the day.

Kurudi Afrika Business Fair
Date: 22 March
Time: 8am

Various local cultural and creative businesses will get the opportunity to showcase and sell their products to visitors. There will also be a focus on the impact of colonialism on the economy, and how African families can reclaim this dignity while playing a meaningful role in the mainstream economy.

Kurudi Afrika Music
Date: 23 March
Time: 1pm

This will be a vibrant display of the best African music which will geared towards promoting tourism on the KZN South Coast.

1906 Poll Tax Uprising Commemoration
Date: 24 March
Time: 8am

This grand finale will be a commemoration of the Bhambatha Rebellion by the Kurudi Afrika ingoma – cultural groups showcasing their talent. The commemoration will include a traditional ritual in the kraal to communicate with the 1906 fallen stalwarts and celebrate their contribution.

“Celebrating the local heritage and expanding the economic footprint into our rural areas is an important focus for SCTIE,” explained Deborah Ludick, Acting CEO of SCTIE. “Programmes such as these are a valuable way to not only achieve these goals, but an important avenue for keeping the history of the KZN South Coast alive.”

To book for the Kurudi Afrika Programme, call or WhatsApp 078 510 8336. Uncover cultural adventure on the #kznsouthcoast! Visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za.

Get back into nature with a KZN South Coast breakaway! Find out more by following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.

Follow the hashtags #uncover #uncoverkznsouthcoast #uncoveradventure #kznsouthcoast

 

/ENDS

 

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About KZN South Coast

Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing Agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.

 

Issued on behalf of:

South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)

Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za