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. 

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