Page 17 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 20
P. 17
Art & Culture
of the Shangana people. ground and development of these
In terms of heritage and Some cultural villages act as open- cultural villages, you will find that
history, some cultural villages air museums, which exhibit the art their presence is highly supported
were constructed to upkeep forms and customs practiced by by individuals and communities that
African communities. For example,
intend to preserve their history and
the potential African history. the Botshabelo Historical Village culture. Yet, their presence offers a
For example, Shakaland preserves the historic culture of the huge impact for African countries.
Ndebele people. The village is lo-
It is sad to say there is only little
Cultural Village, apart from cated in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, support from the government in
offering the best Zulu experi- this beautiful village was originally a these projects, and yet each coun-
try has a ministry of culture and
Christian mission station. Men and
ence it also act as a backdrop women on the site practice vari- tradition as well as a ministry of
for the Shaka Zulu movie, ous traditions and wear traditional tourism. Cultural villages should
which is the great attraction garments passed down from past be one among the priorities as they
promote culture, attracting visitors
generations. The village exhibits the
to visitors. visually rich traditions of the locals. and can be a marketing place for
Therefore, visitors to this open-air African commodities related to cul-
museum gain a firsthand experience ture and tradition. Investing in other
of the beadwork, clothing, and dis- tourist attractions is an important
of tourists are so excited to learn tinctive homesteads of the Ndebele thing, which the rest of the world is
their customs, foods, initiation people. also doing. However, what attracts
ceremonies, weapons, outfits, and visitors is the uniqueness of those
home construction. With a passion In terms of heritage and history, attractions, whereby cultural villag-
to serve their interests, Shangana some cultural villages were con- es stand to be genuine and more
Cultural Village, which is located 5 structed to maintain African history. attractive.
kilometers from Hazy view town For example, Shakaland Cultural
in Mpumalanga province offers all Village, apart from offering the best Since cultures vary from one ethnic
the above-mentioned, with a special Zulu experience, also acted as a group to the other, this becomes
experience of Tsonga and Zulu backdrop for the Shaka Zulu movie, novel to the visitor, as they experi-
cultures in South Africa, whereby which is a great attraction to visitors. ence varied people’s everyday ways
their cultural dynamics converge. Like Shakaland, also Isinamva and of life. Cultural villages are currently
At the heart of Shangana Cultural DumaZulu village offers unforgetta- one of the most popular tourist
Village is the picturesque Marula ble experiences, where guests learn attractions in Africa, but in spite
Market where locals make and sell about the Zulu customs, traditional of their popularity, the villages also
their crafts. From this outfits, ancestors and traditional face a barrage of criticisms leveled
market, visitors are healers, and the role of against the manner in which they
led by trained cattle in both court- represent culture and identity, as
guides to the ship and mar- well as their political economy.
traditional riage. Visitors Generally, as we proceed with the
Shangana enjoy music, significant role of telling our own
villages. dances, also African stories, let it be known to all
Guests sample that it is more important to be in the
learn traditional moment than to count the seconds
the foods, on the clock. The experience and
cus- and beer. people in the present are more valu-
toms, They also able than appointments in the fu-
foods, witness ture. Focus less on the timetable and
initia- the making more on the people you are with,
tion cer- of baskets, African cultural villages are rare and
emonies, beadwork, really, something that makes Africa
weapons, shields, and such an amazing place; and it is well
outfits, and spears. worth taking the time to visit Africa.
home construction If you trace the back- Come one, come all.
WWW.MSINGIAFRIKAMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 20 | FEBRUARY 2022 17
