Cultural Heritage

D. KwaZulu-Natal

4. Pietermaritzburg & The Midlands

Ecabazini Zulu Cultural Homestead
At this small Zulu homestead and farm just outside Pietermaritzburg, visitors can meet Cedric Hood or ‘CJ’ as he is called, the ‘white Zulu’ who has adopted Zulu customs.

The emphasis is on preserving the authentic Zulu way of life and a fascinating tour takes visitors into the farmlands to see how traditional crops such as imfe (sorghum), amadumbi (a yam-like potato) and amabeca (melons) are grown.

Voortrekker Museum
This small museum is of immense importance to many Afrikaans-speaking South Africans because it is situated in the original Church of the Vow, which has been renovated over the years. Prior to what was later to become known as the Battle of Blood River, a Boer commando under the leadership of Andries Pretorius vowed that, should God grant the Boers victory against the Zulu, they would commemorate the day by building a church. About 3000 Zulu warriors died in the battle while the Boers suffered no casualties. Today, the museum houses a variety of interesting Voortrekker artefacts, including Piet Retief’s prayer book, an old wagon, and flintlock rifles. Next door to the museum is Andries Pretorius’ thatch-roofed cottage, also open to the public.

Kindly click on the Provinces below for information on each one.

Eastern Cape

Free State

Gauteng

KwaZulu-Natal

Limpopo

Mpumalanga

Northern Cape

North-West Province

Western Cape