I went on a quest to root out the tradition of storytelling in KwaZulu-Natal this month, for the story “Once Upon A Time” in our June 2015 issue. You’ll have to read the rest of the story in the magazine, but here, I’ll offer you some of what I found, and heard.
“We must have been three or four. My twin sister, Nandi, and I were toyi-toying there on the balcony above the garage with no door, looking onto the lush tropical scenery of Durban, branches heavy with dark green leaves, derelict homes peeping out beneath them. It was 1990. Mandela was coming out of prison. ‘uMandela uyaphuma (Mandela is coming out),’ my dad said. I’d never seen such hope-filled joy in his eyes. It filled me up. I didn’t have to ask who this Mandela was…”
His release moved an entire nation. His story permeated our subconscious. The struggle was my first preview into the significance of storytelling, and for me it started in KwaZulu-Natal. Here are a few tips for things to do and places to go in the province where I found the beginnings (and ends) of interesting stories.
Great things to do in Kwa-Zulu Natal
1. Macrorie House Museum, Pietermaritzburg
What was waaay before the laptop. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe
The museum is a step back into the 1800s, and has plenty of interesting detail. Macrorie House has become a South African Heritage Site and National Monument. Guided tours take place Mondays to Fridays during open hours. Adults R10, children R2.
Contact: museumsofkzn.co.za
2. The Tatham Art Gallery, Pietermaritzburg
ARTing about in the Tatham Art Gallery. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.
The gallery was built in 1903 and features local ethnic artists, as well as works by artistic legends such as Degas, Picasso, Matisse, Hockney and Renoir.
Contact: Tel 033 392 2801, tatham.org.za
3. Pietermaritzburg City Hall, Pietermaritzburg
The PMB City Hall has one of the has one of the finest organs in SA. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.
The City Hall was completed in the 1900s and is said to be the largest brick building in the southern hemisphere. It also has one of the finest organs in SA.
Contact: Tel 033 392 3000, pmbtourism.co.za
5. Rickshaw Ride on Durban’s South Beach
It’s an old tradition and a thrill. For R50 you can take in the surrounds and enjoy the colourful ethnic accents of the cart and its driver.
Contact: Tel 031 322 4164, www.durbanexperience.co.za
6. Street Scene, Berea
Jonas Barausse of Street Scene stands outside their HQ. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.
This passionate hub of storytellers offers a range of trips from city graffiti tours, the Midlands Meander and Inanda Heritage Route, to overnight township and shebeen tours.
Contact: Tel 031 321 5079, streetscene.co.za
And to eat…
7. Prawn Shak, Dokodweni Beach
The freshly prepared seafood is well, fresh and delicious. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe
This beach ‘shak’ is designed to make you linger. It offers a seven-course menu (R185 per person) served slowly between drinks and (epic) tales. Philosophy nights aren’t pre-planned, but call Bill to get a sense of expected visitors/storytellers. Take a bank card (no cash accepted).
There’s a seven-course menu served slowly between drinks and (epic) tales. From R160 for eight ‘tasting’ courses and a caipirinha.
Contact: Tel 083 303 4746, www.shak.co.za
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8. Rosehurst, Boom Street, Pietermaritzburg
I know right… Yummy in your mouth. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe
Really fun and quaint restaurant set in an old home – each room has been converted into a shop that sells essential fragrance, antique teacups and saucers and other local arts and crafts. The garden is like an oasis, the food hearty, and the menu changes every second day.
Contact: Tel 033 394 3833
Want to read the full story? Our June 2015 issue in on sale now – click the cover below to see more from this issue!
Follow my adventures on Twitter and Instagram @vuyiroamsfree.
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