History - Durban

The 1906 Prisoner of War wall (also called the Bhambatha or Bambatha POW wall / Escombe Sea Wall) is a low stone structure in Durban’s Point area, specifically associated with Ballard Street and the Addington Beach promenade. 5 (1)

It was built by Zulu (and other African) political prisoners captured during the 1906 Bhambatha…

admin2 weeks ago

Dr Yusuf Mohamed Dadoo’s vision of a non-racial, socially just South Africa—rooted in unity across racial and class lines, democratic rights for all, and substantive equality—remains a powerful benchmark against which the country’s post-apartheid trajectory is still measured, and one that continues to fall short in critical respects. 5 (1)

Dr Yusuf Mohamed Dadoo’s vision of a non-racial, socially just South Africa—rooted in unity across…

admin1 month ago

The Bhambatha Rebellion 5 (1)

1906 Prisoner of War Wall Last week we wrote about the old Durban Central Prison…

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Harriette Emily Colenso (1847–1932), widely known by her Zulu name Udhlwedhlwe / Dlwedhlwe / Udlwedlwe (often rendered as something close to “Dlwedlwe”), was an English-born Anglican missionary, political activist, and advocate for Zulu rights in colonial Natal and Zululand (present-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa). 0 (0)

She was the eldest child of John William Colenso (the first Bishop of Natal) and…

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The 1949 Durban Riots (also known as the Durban Pogrom or Anti-Indian Riots) were a violent anti-Indian outbreak that erupted in Durban 5 (2)

primarily between 13 and 15 January 1949. Black South Africans (largely Zulu) targeted Indian South…

admin3 months ago

The Elephant House (also known as the oldest house in Durban) on Ridge Road in the Berea/Morningside area is widely recognized as the oldest surviving residential building (house) in Durban proper. 5 (1)

It was built around 1849 (some sources say early 1850s) as a weekend hunting lodge…

admin3 months ago

Inkosi Shadrack Fuba Zibi (20 August 1879 – 26 July 1963) 5 (1)

Inkosi Shadrack Fuba Zibi (20 August 1879 – 26 July 1963), also known by his…

admin4 months ago

A day on the beach – Durban 5 (2)

The sun rises over the Indian Ocean like a great golden sovereign, casting a warm,…

admin4 months ago

Royal Natal Yacht Club (RNYC) 5 (1)

Key context: The RNYC is often what people mean by Durban’s primary historic yacht club.

admin4 months ago

Durban Musicians 0 (0)

In an era where streaming platforms flood the world with over 100,000 new tracks every…

admin5 months ago

Durban’s music history is rich, diverse 0 (0)

Durban’s music history is rich, diverse, and deeply intertwined with South Africa’s cultural melting pot.…

admin5 months ago

John Robert Dunn (1834 – 5 August 1895), often called “The White Chief of Zululand” 5 (1)

John Robert Dunn (1834 – 5 August 1895), often called “The White Chief of Zululand”…

admin5 months ago