The real Inanda: rich heritage behind sensational headlines

So, on Thursday morning I received a call from a concerned friend in Johannesburg, asking how we were coping with the “dire situation” in Inanda.

This concern, of course, was triggered by the tragic incident in which five people lost their lives during a confrontation with police in Bester.

Ironically, when he mentioned the incident, I had no idea what he was referring to. It happened quite far from where I live. In fact, the incident took place in KwaBester, an area en route to Inanda, between KwaMashu and Ntuzuma. But that, really, is beside the point.

The real issue is this: people outside the area, many of whom do not even live in eThekwini, hear that something happened “in Inanda” and immediately assume the entire community is under siege.

God knows we have featured in the news for all the wrong reasons in recent times. And as someone who earns a living from tourism, I can tell you that this narrative has real consequences. It hurts the sector and, by extension, the livelihoods of many ordinary people.

We clearly still have a lot of work to do in educating those outside the area about what Inanda truly is, how vast it is, and how deeply rich it is in history and heritage. That richness is precisely what makes tourism not only possible, but viable here.

We need to do more to tell the real story of Inanda and to reassure people that it remains a great place to visit. I also hope that the government will play its part in supporting this effort, because countless businesses and community members in Durban’s northern areas, Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu, depend on tourism for their survival.

So, to those on the outside, let me say this: Inanda is a fairly safe place. Yes, it has its challenges, but which place doesn’t? I would still, without hesitation, encourage anyone to visit Durban’s True North. And if you come to Durban and miss the Inanda Heritage Route, that will be your biggest regret.

So I say it again, proudly and unapologetically: WOZANI ENANDA — come to Inanda.

(Ntombela hails from Inanda and is a managing director of Isimanje Marketing Group that focuses on tourism in the Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (INK) area and beyond. He writes in his personal capacity. His views don't necessarily reflect those of the Sunday Tribune or IOL) 

SUNDAY TRIBUNE