Zulu Village News

Click here to read an article in the Natal Witness about the project on 5th June 2007.

Zulu Village update. April 2007

Following a week's visit to Rorke's Drift and the Society's Zulu Village, I can report as follows.

The Village is thriving. The manager, Emanuel, has works very hard to produce an authentic Zulu umutzi, all the huts and the cattle kraal have been built in traditional Zulu style and the effect is stunning. The village now has eight Nguni cattle which are kraaled for the daily performance and then let free to roam nearby under the care of a local watchman.

The site now has European toilets and showers - to encourage overnight visitors. A village camping site is under construction next to the site as part of the village complex and several children's groups have already been booked for the experience of seeing the tour and staying overnight.

The village is already on a number of guide's itineraries and the potential for the village is growing. It now employes ten full time staff and additional dancers are being trained.

New pictures can be seen in the photo section.

7th October 06

Dear Members,

I am pleased to report the latest developments at Rorke’s Drift of the Society supported Zulu Village.

David Payne (Society accountant) and I spent two days on site at Rorke's Drift and at Dundee finalizing the legalities of acquiring the site for the village at Rorke’s Drift and resolving all the paperwork in accordance with S. African requirements.

Work is now commencing to clear the ground, which occupies the prime position next to the main roadway leading into Rorke’s Drift; the next task is the construction of the ten huts. Thatching parties are now being employed and a master thatcher has been contracted to teach the locals how to thatch in the traditional style. There is still much to be done; water has to brought to the site and we are examining the possibility of using solar power (discreetly hidden!) to power the office. Emanuel is also negotiating (a long process) the purchase of several Nguni cattle for the village kraal.

So far, the amount donated by members has topped £6,000 – a magnificent gesture. I hope that this positive message will enable those members, awaiting confirmation that the project will actually commence, to send their donations.

I confirm that, once the required amount has been received, the fund will close. This means that every pound donated will go specifically to the village project.

I will post further news as the village develops.

Dr Adrian Greaves