Happy Heritage Month, Here are some of the Reasons to love KZN

September is a special month in South Africa as it marks Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and histories that make this nation so unique. KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) stands out as a province brimming with natural beauty and cultural diversity.

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), often referred to as the “Garden Province” of South Africa, is a region that boasts an astonishing amount of heritage, culture, and culinary delights. Nestled on the eastern coast of South Africa, this province is a true gem that celebrates its diversity through its people, traditions, heritage sites, and mouthwatering cuisine. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through KZN, showcasing why it is the most beautiful heritage province.

KwaZulu-Natal is a melting pot of cultures, with Zulu culture at its heart. The province is home to various ethnic groups, including Zulu, Indian, English, and Afrikaans communities, all of which contribute to its cultural richness. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural festivals, music, and dance performances that reflect this vibrant diversity.

Photo credit: Jay Calvin (Flickr) | Shaka kaSenzangakhona (1780s -1828) Bronze Statue – ‘Long March to Freedom’ Monument

The Zulu language, isiZulu, is widely spoken in KZN and holds deep cultural significance. It is here that you can learn about traditional Zulu customs, such as the iconic Zulu beadwork, dance, and storytelling. The province takes great pride in preserving its indigenous languages and traditions.

From the majestic Drakensberg Mountains to the pristine beaches along the Indian Ocean, KZN offers a diverse range of natural wonders. The province is home to several game reserves, such as Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where visitors can experience Africa’s iconic wildlife.Let’s not forget Durban’s Victoria Street Market which is a colourful hub of Indian culture and cuisine.

Photo Credit: Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park KwaZulu-Natal 

Nature lovers will be captivated by KwaZulu-Natal’s diverse landscapes. The province offers breathtaking beaches along the Indian Ocean, lush green hills, and wildlife-rich game reserves. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases wetlands, lakes, and estuaries teeming with life.

KZN’s cuisine is a culinary journey. Influenced by Zulu, Indian, and colonial flavours, it offers a tantalizing mix of dishes. Don’t miss out on trying bunny chow, a spicy curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread, or a traditional Zulu meal like umngqusho (samp and beans). Seafood lovers can savor fresh catches along the coast.

Another important aspect of South Africa’s heritage that should not be forgotten is living heritage. In essence, living heritage is the foundation of all communities and an essential source of identity and continuity. The various aspects of living heritage include Cultural tradition; rituals; oral history; popular memory; performance; indigenous knowledge systems; techniques and skills; and the holistic approach to nature, society, and social relationships. In South Africa, the term ‘living heritage’ is used interchangeably with the term ‘intangible cultural heritage’.

Why is living heritage important and what role does it play? Living heritage plays a vital role in promoting cultural diversity, reconciliation, social cohesion, economic development, and peace. In every South African community, there are living human treasures who possess a high degree of knowledge, skills and history pertaining to different aspects of diverse living heritage. It is important for South Africans to reclaim, restore and preserve these various aspects of living heritage to promote and accelerate its use in addressing the various challenges communities are facing today.

The celebration of our heritage cannot be complete without the recognition of the role of the Freedom Charter to all that we aspire to be as a nation. To this day, it remains the moral compass of our shared vision and a cornerstone of our Constitution and our human rights culture.

On the 24^th of September (Heritage Day), make sure you go out and enjoy musical events, dress up in traditional outfits, attend theatrical performances and appreciate South Africa’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Happy Heritage Month!