KZN SOUTH COAST GOES BIG ON CULTURE THIS SEPTEMBER
- O&A Team
- August 14, 2023
- Life & Style
- #kznsouthcoast, #uncoveradventure, #uncoverkznsouthcoast, Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA), Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Roman Catholic mission stations KZN South Coast, SCTIE, Sho’t Left Travel Week, Ugu Broadcasting Services, Ugu International Film Festival, Ugu Maskandi Music Festival, Umuziwabantu Municipality
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During a time of turbulence in South Africa, it’s good to know that Heritage Month is almost here – a time to celebrate the people of South Africa as well as the country’s multi-cultural history.
September 24 may be Heritage Day but there are plenty of ongoing events throughout the month of September that remind us both of the vast array of cultures and traditions that make this country special. Arm in arm with this is tourism as hospitality is the ideal way to enjoy the richness of both the tangible and intangible aspects of our human history – from creative expression in the form of music and performances to history to language, the food we eat as well as what is referred to as “popular memory”.
This year’s theme, Heritage: Change and Continuity, highlights the dynamic nature of heritage as something that continuously innovates so that it can achieve its objective of preserving products of human creativity.
It is in this spirit that the KZN South Coast is going all out to celebrate via a number of special events. Here’s a peek at what’s to come”:
THE UGU MASKANDI MUSIC FESTIVAL 2023
The unique sounds of maskandi music will once again attract crowds to the KZN South Coast with the 3rd annual Ugu Maskandi Music Festival set to take place on Saturday, 30 September at Ugu Sports & Leisure Centre in Gamalakhe. The event, which is supported by South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), is a culturally significant way to celebrate the end of Heritage Month 2023.
This festival, which is set to be the biggest one yet, is being organised by Ugu Broadcasting Services in partnership with the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA), Umuziwabantu Municipality, Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, Vodacom and SCTIE.
“It’s an honour to welcome the talented artists and maskandi music lovers to the KZN South Coast once again for this much-anticipated festival,” commented Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE.
“This is a great celebration of our rich heritage, a welcome boost in visitors during Tourism Month, and an excellent opportunity to showcase the KZN South Coast as a premier event-hosting destination,” said Mangcu.
Siyabonga Mkhungo, director of Ugu Broadcasting Services, and the event organiser, said the festival will showcase local talent: “We are excited to once again host this event, as we believe we’re on the correct path to establishing a household event that will become a part of the Ugu District Culture for many more years to come. We started this festival with a clear intention to embrace our culture and heritage as Nguni people through art and crafts. This year, the event will cater for our local artists from the KZN South Coast who will make up 80% of the festival’s line-up.”
This year’s line-up includes Bahubhe, Mphuphe, Igcokama Elisha, Skweletu, Mageza, Ezechalaha, Amavukela Mbuso, Mjolisi, Ntencane, Khuzani, Lagxabha… and many more! General tickets cost R100, and VIP tickets cost R650. They are available online at Webtickets and Ticketpro, as well as Pick ‘n Pay. No U18s allowed.
HERITAGE MONTH ADVENTURES ON THE KZN SOUTH COAST
Visitors to the KZN South Coast can embark on a variety of culturally rich excursions this Heritage Month. The rich cultural history of the Zulu nation can be experienced at Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre in Mthwalume, with the KwaNzimakwe Experience and Nyandezulu Experience offering immersive cultural excursions in the hinterland.
Uncover the history of the Roman Catholic Mission Stations by taking the Mission Tourism Route stopping in at The Capuchin Adoration Convent in Pumula; Maris Stella Mission at Oshabeni; Assisi Mission at Oshabeni; and Maria Trost Mission in St Faiths. There’s also the 8km Weza Hiking Trail crossing two amaKhosi areas; and the 71km Umzumbe River Trail with authentic homestays.
Alongside the Ugu Sports & Leisure Centre, the KZN South Coast is also hosting the Ugu International Film Festival from 14 to 16 September and The South Coast Marathon on 24 September from Ugu Sports & Leisure Centre.
From 4 to 10 September, it’s the Sho’t Left Travel Week campaign where South Africans get up to 50% off travel experiences, accommodation, and historical and cultural tours. The KZN South Coast tourism establishments participating in Sho’t Left Travel Week will advertise on the Specials tab of the website.
