Page 119 - Heritage Streets of KwaMashu 2025

HERITAGE STREETS OF KWA-MASHU 115
SECTION P
Section P which is near the historic Princess Magogo Stadium, has roads named after everyday Zulu utensils for food such as ugqoko, ukhezo, imbiza, ukhamba, etc.
• Ugqoko – Zulumeat platter is known as an uGqoko (lubazwa ngokhuni). This Zulu meat platter is carved out of specific woods, called ugqoko in Zulu, are used at ceremonial gatherings for the carving and serving of meat from ritually slaughtered livestock. Ugqoko is of geometric incised pattern that required great skill and talent, taught from one generation to another. A handcrafted Zulu meat platter from South Africa. The wood used does vary, but in most cases, the Kiaat wood (umvangazi) is used. A Zulu wood-carved tray or platter in oval form ending with a handle on each side. The platter stands on four legs and has designs in relief in the back. Such Zulu mean platters were used with great formality to serve meat (especially goat and cattle) during various rituals.
• Ukhezo – Ukhezo is a wooden carved spoon which was used in KwaZulu to eat amasi (sour milk). A bigger size is called Isixembe/Isixwembe in isiZulu. Ukhezo has a short, split handle – some nicely decorated with creative patterns of Zulu designs. Ukhezo is a Zulu Wooden Spoon carved spoon with a long handle that has a block in the middle.
• Imbiza - means a big round clay pottery that is used for fermenting Zulu beer (umqombothi/utshwala besiZulu) or for cooking food. Imbiza symbolises nourishment. Imbiza also refers to natural herbs or any mixture of roots, bulbs, and leaves used for medicinal purposes”. Thus, imbiza symbolizes healing and nourishment.
It is fascinating that at the doorstep of this Section is the famous Princess Magogo Stadium named after Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s mother uMntwana Magogo. Princess Constance
Magogo Sibilile Ngangezinye kaDinuzulu was a Zulu princess and musical artist, mother to Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Inkatha Freedom Party leader, and sister to Zulu King Solomon kaDinuzulu. Princess Magogo composed Zulu classical music and was gifted in playing the ugubhu, (a stringed bow and a calabash instrument) and the isitolotolo (a musical instrument that is like a bow that has a string bound down to the middle of the bow) and was also a singer and poet. Perhaps one of the many reasons why Kwa-Mashu is endowed with artistic talents is that the roots of this richness of art are traced back to Mkhumbane (Cato Manor).