Township Tour Gives International Students a Glimpse of South Africa’s Rich History

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‘There are seven sins in the world: wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, worship without sacrifice, and politics without principle.’

These famous words by Mahatma Gandhi were among the many quotes that resonated with the international students during their township tour along the Inanda Heritage Route.

Organised by UKZN’s International Relations Office, the international students visited Phoenix Settlement and the iconic heritage site of Ohlange Institute, paying tribute to historical legends Mahatma Gandhi, Prophet Isaiah Shembe and Dr John Langalibalele Dube.

Ms Sinenhlanhla Mkhwanazi from the International Office said that the township tour is an annual offering for first-time international students to introduce them to South Africa’s local heritage and culture.

She said, ‘The tour provides international students with a glimpse into our rich history while also allowing them to experience life in Inanda township and savour our local cuisine.’

Founded in 1904 by Mahatma Gandhi, a lawyer by profession, the Phoenix Settlement was the first non-racial settlement established in the fight against racism, division, and poverty. Gandhi, a political rights activist, also founded the Indian Opinion newspaper, which was established in Phoenix, Durban.

Headquartered in ekuPhakameni and eBuhleni along the Inanda Heritage Route, Prophet Isaiah Shembe founded the Nazareth Baptist Church in 1910 following a revelation from his ancestors. This was in response to the civil unrest during the time of Zulu Kings Shaka and Dingane. Today, the church has over four million followers, nationally.

Dr John Langalibalele Dube, a revolutionary and one of the founding fathers of the African National Congress (ANC), was also its first elected president. He was the first Black person to establish a school, the Ohlange Institute, and founded ILanga Lase Natal, which is now known as the ILanga newspaper and remains one of the leading vernacular newspapers in circulation today.

In 1994, Dube, who is buried at the Ohlange Institute, was honoured by a visit from Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of South Africa. Mandela cast his vote at the institute and famously declared, “Mr President, I have come to report to you that South Africa is free today”.

Mrs Nokutela Dube (née Mdima), Dube’s wife, also played a significant role in shaping South Africa’s history. A musician, she wrote and composed the South African national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. Today, the Ohlange Institute has completed construction of an amphitheatre with a capacity of 2 500 people, intended to host musical events that will honour Nokutela Dube’s legacy.

Mr Andrew Macharia, a Kenyan native studying towards a PhD in Electronics and Computer Engineering, said he enjoyed seeing the various historical sites that have played a key role in South African history. ‘I have attained historical materials that I intend on reading and look forward to attending other tours organised by the International Office.’

Expressing how the tour exposed her to other South African political leaders other than Mandela and Gandhi, South Korean exchange student, Ms Hyeonah Son said, ‘I enjoyed the food and exploring the township, it was a meaningful experience and I look forward to many more tours like this in the future.’

Words: Hlengiwe Khwela

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini