Durban - eThethekwini Municipality displayed its rich cultural heritage for the media, through a media tour, around some of its local historical sites ahead of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini’s coronation on Saturday.

The media personnel was shown around various historic sites on the eve of much-anticipated ceremony to be held at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban, where President Cyril Ramaphosa will hand over the official certificate of recognition for the king.

Guests were treated to a visit to the KwaMuhle Museum in Durban Central, formally known as the Department of Native Affairs during the apartheid era.

They then proceeded to Umkhumbane museum where a monumental structure for Queen Thomozile Jezangani Ndwandwe the mother of the late King Goodwill Zwelithini and grandmother of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini is erected.

The also visited Embelebeleni Royal Household in KwaMashu where Queen Thomozile resided and the Ohlange Institute in Inanda founded by the late John Langalibalele Dube.

The tour ended with the viewing of various historic sites around the City.

According to the City’s spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela, the main purpose of the tour was to showcase the strong connection that existed between the Royal Zulu Household and the City of Durban.

Glass of monument for late Queen Thomozile, mother of King Zwelithini Ka Bhekuzulu situated at Umkhumbane museaum. Photograph: Zama Ngcoya

“The royal household and the city of Durban’s relations date as far back as early 1800s, during the time of King Shaka kaSenzangakhona who had a royal palace called kwaKhangela Amankengane (now called Congela), as a result king Shaka’s legacy still exists through areas and rivers that were originally named by him such as Amanzimtoti, Umlaza (now known as Umlazi) among others.

King Goodwill Zwelithini built the second royal palace in KwaMashu, north of Durban called Embelebeleni which was the last stop for the tour,” he said.

He said that these sites formed part of the City’s rich culture and heritage, and that the Zulu royal household history had it’s roots running through the City of Durban.

Mayisela said that to a certain extent, when a majority of people hear the mention of the Zulu royal house, they automatically thought about the ones located in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal and surroundings, adding that it was important to note that the history of the royal house went alongside that of the City.

“When visiting uMkhumbane Museum, the public can learn more about the life and times of Queen Thomozile, the second wife of King Cyprian Bhekuzulu Nyangayezizwe kaSolomon - grandfather to the current King.

The history of the Embelebeleni Royal household is quite unique considering its location. In actual fact it is the only royal palace that exists within the township,” he said.

Umkhumbane Museum in Cato Manor. Photograph: Zama Ngcoya

Mayisela said that the City had plans in place to ensure continued tourism visits to the aforementioned sites.

Statue of John Langalibalele Dube, in Ohlange Inanda. Photograph: Zama Ngcoya

Every year in September, which is both a heritage and tourism month, Durban Tourism conducts discounted tours to hidden gems and places of historical significance.

“With a high demand of discounted educational tours, the City has plans in place to spread these tours after every three months.

“Durban Tourism is busy engaging with local Tour Operators to diversify their packaging of the city. The recent engagement was held in Bluff on Friday 21st of October 2022. Even on Durban Tourism social media platforms there are snippets of ‘Did you Know’ which speaks to such unique tourism products,” he said.

Photographs of the New Republic of South Africa in Umkhumbane Museum. Photograph: Zama Ngcoya

Mandla Nxumalo, Senior Tourism Officer at Durban Tourism, said it was important to know ones history, as a lack of background knowledge was indicative of a lack of knowledge for one’s future.

Burial site of John Langalibalele Dube. Photograph: Zama Ngcoya

“As South Africans we need to preserve our history, culture and core values of who we are,” he added.

One of the visitors, Koni Nelwamondo from Pretoria said that she was on the tour to learn more about the city of Durban and its cultural heritage.

She added that the tour was particularly important and educational for her, as she hailed from another province.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE

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