Page 31 - Heritage Streets of KwaMashu 2025

Section D area (named after mountains) later saw the development of more classy self-built houses called “KwamaZakhele”, and became a residential portion of highly educated, professionals and well-off Zulu/African people who could buy a site, secure a bond, and build mansion- style houses (poor neighbors were envious of such “Durban North suburbs” in Kwa Mashu). This Section D extension of “KwamaZakhele” was the residential area of such prominent families such as the Langa family (a family of the first Chief Justice Judge Pius Langa), Mzonelis and many others including the Methodist Church Bishop Mmutlanyane Stanley Mogoba – who became PAC President in 1997).
As it expanded and most of its people fully settled, Kwa Mashu grew into a hub of arts and sports, politics, business entrepreneurship of diverse kinds (of course including the shebeens (taverns) and... a feared criminality web township (with roots traced from Mkhumbane, KwaKito). Indeed, it also became a den of gangsterism with more and more people arriving and with no employment. Kwa Mashu has historically been a socially cohesive township where Zulus, Xhosas, Sothos, and Thongas find a home and all live in harmony (sometimes it is wittily said that most Thonga Tembe people who came and settled in Kwa Mashu from Manguzi (Mhlabuyilingana area) transformed themselves
HERITAGE STREETS OF KWA-MASHU 27 from “Tembes” to “Mthembus”) – with most practicing as
traditional healers of note.
Commonly, townships in South Africa have become the cultural soul of the country and few can rival the township of Kwa-Mashu in its cultural richness (now part of Inanda- Ntuzuma-KwaMashu [INK] area-based management).
The township is also known for its local artisans who create various artifacts, including hand-carved wooden sculptures, wire baskets, and woven baskets, showcasing the skill and creativity of the community. Kwa-Mashu’s cultural essence is truly a celebration of tradition, creativity, and the vibrant spirit of its people.