Saturday, 19 Feb 2011, a beautiful day to discover the soul of Durban and South Africa respectively. Thanks to Street Scene tour Richard Powell and Sthembiso Mbonambi (Street Scene Co-Owners) with beautiful ladies from Germany close to Frankfurt. Richard and Sthembiso interchanged tourguide roles throughout the day. Our journey begun at the harbor mouth as an American Liner Santa Barbara docked in. Durban’s illustrious history unraveled as names of greats such as King Shaka Zulu and Marco Polo played a crucial part in Durban’s History.
The heart of the City is its market centre’s Durban boasting Victoria Street Market, Fish market and Herbal Market. Traders chanting we maneuvered through them all bringing a great sense of pride as the story unfolded from “Lobola Jazi’s to Ucatho”. Winding between Cultural attire and ornaments as the guides gave us a 101 of history and explanations of it was euphoric.
The Inanda Route was surreal visiting the Mzinyathi falls, met with Rastafarians living on the Cliffside cave below the view site was indeed pure tranquility mixed with Rasta education. The wealth of knowledge/history in the INK (Inanda Ntuzuma and Kwamashu) area is astounding. Ohlange High School (Institute) where Rev Dr John L Dube peacefully rests. A founding member of the ANC and iLanga Lase Natal a newspaper still in production till this day South Africa’s Martin Luther king. This is where former president Nelson Mandela casted his vote on the 27 April 1994 a momentous time in South Africa’s History. Mahatma Gandhi’s Settlement which gave rise to a world leader, Mahatma Gandhi, a peaceful activist gives true inspiration to the route.
Shisa Nyama for lunch Kwa Hlabisa E section Kwamashu, chakalakka pap and all. Street Scene tours will grow to great heights, the humility of Sthembiso and Richard leaves an embedded feeling of a wonderful memory and left me inspired.
The Durban revolution has begun; Durbanites and Tourists alike will enjoy the Tour. Durban port, CBD, Warwick Junction, Mzinyathi Falls Shaisa Nyama…..
You owe it to yourself to embark on this journey showing Durban through the eyes and means of Durbanites. For more information contact Street scene tours on www.streetscenetours.co.za,
Facebook group Street Scene Tours or links on Durban street culture page