FEATURE

5th July 2024

Weaving heritage into every basket

5th July 2024 By AfriVuLeave a comment

Nestled between a cluster of fever trees, on the outskirts of Hluhluwe is Ilala Weavers Gallery, Museum, Restaurant and Nursery. Ilala Weavers have built relationships with rural Zulu communities of Hluhluwe, empowering women of the region to support themselves and their families.

The Zulu’s are the largest tribe in Southern Africa, renowned for their artistry and craftsmanship. Perhaps the one craft that typifies the precision and skills of these crafters is basket weaving, a skill passed down from generation to generation.

Jackie Sutton, the current custodian of Ilala Weavers is the second generation to be working with the community of weavers and crafters from the surrounding areas.

The passion began in the early 1970’s when two friends developed an interest in Zulu handcrafts being produced in the outlying areas of northern Zululand. At that time the community markets sold handicrafts and home produce amongst each other, but being so isolated there was no formal outlet for these specialist crafters, shield & assegai-makers, basket-weavers, potters and woodcarvers, to name but being so isolated, the community had no formal outlets for their work! Having gained the trust of the community, the two friends created a small store which was soon inundated with Zulu crafters from other areas, resulting in a massive collection of traditional Zulu crafts.

1994; a High Point in the history of South Africa with the advent of the first successful Democratic Election generated a lot of interest and Tourism expanded dramatically. Ilala Weavers was awarded the SBDC Trophy for “The Most Innovative Exporter of the Year”, as well as the Sunday Tribune/Coopers & Lybrand “Exporter of the Year for SMME’s.”

Ilala Weavers continues to support local artisans and Zulu basket work now adorns museums, art galleries, homes and businesses across the globe.

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11th June 2024

DumaZulu goes back to African roots

11th June 2024 By AfriVuLeave a comment

DumaZulu traditional village is a hive of activity. Both international and local tourists may enter the kraal as strangers not quite knowing what to expect, but they leave with a sense of the real community spirit, pride in the tradition and heritage that befits the internationally recognised Zulu nation.

A step back in time enables everyone to appreciate the lifestyle and African ingenuity as Dumazulu traditional village members demonstrate how to make spears, shields, baskets and clay pots from the natural resources found around them.

The explanations behind the traditions, of beads and their significance, of weddings and celebration, of the ancestral links of the sangoma and inyanga adds understanding and appreciation to the experience for the on-lookers, all of whom are keen to participate and mesmerised by the experience.

Getting the audience involved adds to the experience and by the end of the tour visitors are enthralled by the rhythmic drumbeat and dance of Africa. Dumazulu is an experience no visitor will forget. A trip back in time which forges heritage back into our bones and reminds us of our connections to the past.

Dumazulu Traditional Village is a part of the Gooderson Leisure Group – add to your cultural experience with a stay at Gooderson Dumazulu Lodge

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5th June 2024

Zululand Cat Conservation Project

5th June 2024 By AfriVuLeave a comment

The Zululand Cat Conservation Project was established to help boost the number of wild Cheetah as part of a vital Cheetah breeding programme. The aim, to carefully breed these endangered cats so that their off-spring could roam once more across the African plains.

The breeding centre based at Emdoneni just outside of Hluhluwe, has grown to now include other endangered feline species, such as the Caracal, Serval and the African Wildcat – the ancestor of today’s domestic cat.

Through intensive genetic study, careful wildlife breeding management and a sanctuary surrounded by some of the best wildlife reserves in Africa suitable to accommodate the Cheetah and other cats, the Zululand Cat Conservation Project is able to successfully re-introduce these creatures back into the wild in a sustainable way, ensuring that the animals in their care, and those that are eventually released, are able to live their best lives.

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15th April 2024

Virtuosa graces port of Durban

15th April 2024 By AfriVuLeave a comment

The impressive MSC Virtuosa docked at Durban’s Nelson Mandela Terminal for a brief pit-stop on her journey back to Southampton affording the Durban Port Captain and Ship’s Captain the opportunity to swap the traditional crests in recognition of her maiden arrival.  Normally seen cruising the mediterranean seas MSC Virtuoso chose to cruise around the tip of Africa back to Southampton to avoid the current issues around the Red Sea.

Whilst the MSC Virtuosa’s visit to Durban was fleeting, Ross Volk, MD of MSC Cruising South Africa looks forward to bringing such impressive ships to port here on a more regular basis. He stressed the need to build on the long-standing partnerships already forged in Durban between the city and MSC and understands the need to build on infrastructure and tourism capacity to ensure MSC guests can enjoy the best cultural, historical and natural wonders the city has to offer, all of which will provide new entreprenuerial opportunities and create employment for Durbanites.