PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
17 April 2024

KZN South Coast hosts first-ever Kurudi Afrika Cultural Experience

Attractions such as the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches, top dive sites, nature-based excursions and golf courses are major drawcards to the incredible KZN South Coast. The region also boasts an extensive events programme such as the successful Kurudi Afrika Cultural Experience which was hosted recently.

“The KZN South Coast, with its subtropical climate and fantastic venues, is the perfect venue for events of all formats and sizes. The inaugural Kurudi Afrika Cultural Experience hosted at Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre is one such example, drawing in thousands of visitors to our shores,” said Deborah Ludick Acting CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE).

“The KZN South Coast is also a nature lover’s paradise, with ocean sunrises and hinterland adventures making this the ultimate retreat. We look forward to sharing the region’s many tourism assets with many 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.”

 

Inaugural Kurudi Afrika Cultural Experience

The culturally unique and well-received addition to this year’s holiday season was the Kurudi Afrika Cultural Experience hosted by Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre in Mthwalume. Running over four days in March, the 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.

Howard Msomi, Director of Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre, said this ‘all-encompassing cultural and creative initiative’ attracted thousands of visitors who contributed towards the development of the rural economy. “The programme was very 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 19 to 23 March.”

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. Day 3 was a business fair that welcomed seasoned business people who outlined how cultural organisations from the district could compete on an international level.

The fourth day welcomed artists who performed live music around the triple theme of ‘humanity, respect, and dignity’, with the event culminating in a massive commemoration of the Bhambatha Rebellion with between 2000 and 3000 people in attendance, including 20 cultural groups and traditional healers.

 

The ultimate holiday retreat

The KZN South Coast boasts the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, two world-class dive sites at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, a year-round subtropical climate, and an abundance of outdoor adventure experiences, truly making it the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom!”

Furthermore, the authentic cultural excursions, and hinterland offerings across gorges, nature reserves, and farmlands are ideal for those seeking a unique experience in the great outdoors. There are also 11 quality courses on ‘The Golf Coast’ alongside top-class MICE locations for the ultimate ‘bleisure’ tourism experience. The winter months bring the world’s greatest biomass migration the annual Sardine Run, with the KZN South Coast providing front-row seats.

Uncover adventure on the KZN South Coast where ocean sunrises and hinterland adventures await! 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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The inaugural Kurudi Afrika Cultural Experience held at Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre.

The inaugural Kurudi Afrika Cultural Experience held at Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre.

Uncover adventure on the KZN South Coast

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