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.
Event Courtesy of www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/kzn-south-coast-hosts-first-ever-kurudi-afrika-cultural-experience/