New Delhi, Sep 23 Besides stunning beaches, adventure activities, street markets, delectable Bunny Chows, and botanical gardens, the city of Durban is also known for its historical importance. The eThekwini Inanda Heritage Route in the Inanda Valley, located in north Durban, gives travellers a chance to explore the noteworthy historic legacy that shaped the future of South Africa. The Inanda Heritage Trail houses some very critical components of not just South African history but of India's past too. So much so that, Inanda is widely dubbed the 'cradle of South African democracy'.
The Inanda valley witnessed some great historical moments as two of the world's greatest leaders - Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, fought for equality, justice and peace in its front yard. From this valley, Nelson Mandela cast the first vote as a black person in South Africa's first democratic elections. The famous satyagraha movement by Gandhi was conceptualized here as well.
With a fascinating past, the Inanda Heritage Tour is sure to awaken the history buff within you. The tour also provides insights into the rich culture and beliefs held by local Durban communities.
Let's take a look at the important historical sites located in the valley and walk through some major milestones in the country's history :
Phoenix Settlement
The trail starts at this settlement. Situated 20 km north of Durban, it was founded by Gandhi in 1904. He stayed here and published his weekly 'Indian Opinion' newspaper until its closure in 1961. The settlement is on a 100-acre farm that currently consists of Gandhi's house 'Sarvodaya' where he lived with his family, the printing press building from where he published the weekly, his son Manilal-s house, and Phoenix Interpretation Centre where lectures are still delivered. It was here that he published his first book - Indian Home Rule.
The settlement that used to have clinics, schools, and homes, has emerged to become a symbol of self-reliance, labour, and simple communal life. It was also an important resistance site during the apartheid era in South Africa, as activists from all over the country gathered here.
Ohlange Institute
Opened in 1901, Ohlange Institute was the first Black-controlled institution in South Africa at a time when it was believed that Black people could not develop or manage institutions of their own. It was built by John Dube, the founding President of the current governing party – the African National Congress
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