It’s been over 10 years since the provincial government promised museums, B&Bs and other amenities to attract tourists to Isandlwana in Nquthu, but the KZN “Disneyland” is nowhere to be seen.
Isandlawna is the historic site where the Zulu nation beat the cream of Queen Victoria’s British detachments in 1879.
But when a Zulu delegation led by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini gather at Isandlwana later this month to commemorate the 1879 battle, there will be no new facilities to show off.
More than a decade ago the KwaZulu-Natal government promised to develop the mountain and “make it look like Disneyland”.
That vow was made in 2009 and again in 2014 after the late King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu declared the mountain a holy place for the Zulu nation.
But the site remains without the development it was promised – and without the jobs for locals that were expected to be created.
Advocate Simphiwe Xaba previously told SABC news that the R10 million that was set aside from the Lottery Commission was only spent on a feasibility study.
KZN government spokesperson Lennox Mabaso told Scrolla.Africa that plans are still there to develop Isandlwana and other heritage sites across the province to make them more attractive for tourists.
“But you can also check with the Department of Arts and Culture in the province so that they could provide more details with regards to the Isandlwana mountain development,” he said.
Nathi Oliphant of the Department of Arts and Culture did not respond to questions sent by Scrolla.Africa.
The Isandlwana mountain was invaded by the British army on 22 January 1879. The British, armed with guns, fought against the Zulu regiments who were only armed with spears. The commemoration is now used to preach social cohesion among African tribes and the British.
Pictured above: Isandlwana mountain
Image source: The Past
