Fair Trade Tourism is pleased to announce the formal completion of the Zamokuhle Cultural Lodge, situated outside Estcourt in Kwa-Zulu-Natal. Fair Trade Tourism was responsible for managing the development of the lodge, which was handed over to the Amahlubi Heritage Foundation Trust on Heritage Day, 24 September, in a ceremony that attracted local dignitaries and hundreds of local community members.
The cultural lodge and visitor’s centre was funded by the National Lotteries Commission and managed by Fair Trade Tourism in partnership with the Amahlubi Heritage Foundation Trust and the Evangelical Lutheran Church, which made land available for the centre. The project’s aim is to celebrate the culture and history of the Amahlubi Tribe, which has played an important and largely unsung role in shaping South Africa’s history.
The Amahlubi people are believed to have moved south from central Africa, arriving in South Africa in the 1300s and settling in current KwaZulu-Natal in the 1650s. The Hlubi nation had a cordial relationship with the Zulu nation under King Shaka, however they came into conflict with the British in the late 1800s when their leader, King Langalibalele, refused to hand over firearms to the colonial authority. In 1873, Sir Benjamin Pine moved to break up the Hlubi, confiscating their cattle and imprisoning King Langalibalele on Robben Island. Following Bishop Colenso’s appeal to Queen Victoria, the Hlubi King was released from Robben Island but exiled in Cape Town. Langa township, which was built on part of the farm on which he stayed, was named after him. King Langalibalele returned to KwaZulu-Natal in 1887 but lived under house arrest until his death in 1889. His successor today is Ingonyama Muziwenkosi Langalibalele II.
Prince Bekithemba Langalibalele, chair of the Amahlubi Heritage Foundation Trust, said the Zamokuhle Cultural Lodge was designed to provide a platform for the Amahlubi to present their history and culture with pride. “This project is the realisation of a long-held vision of the Amahlubi people to ensure their rightful place in South African history,” he said.
Fair Trade Tourism Managing Director Jane Edge said the Amahlubi Trust would assume responsibility for lodge operations and funding was being sought for additional skills training and capacity building of the local community. In the interim, Durban NGO Africa!Ignite has been commissioned to train craftspeople and storytellers, to create storyboards presenting Amahlubi history and to train local community members in tourism management skills.
Africa!Ignite CEO Wilna Botha said: “We are proud to be associated with this lodge, which will allow visitors to combine the rich history and culture of the Amahlubi, with their linkages to the Lutheran Church, and the spectacular scenery of the Drakensberg.”
Cultural activities at the centre will include storytelling, traditional dances and providing traditional meals for visitors. Three luxury accommodation rondavels are available for overnight visitors.
For further information, please contact Bekithemba Langalibalele on bekithemba@hotmail.com.
