Page 47 - Heritage Streets of KwaMashu 2025

SECTION B
EMGIDWENI
The first sections established in KwaMashu was Sections B and E.
Archival records show that the first Africans were moved from uMkhumbane to KwaMashu B section also known as “Emaplangweni” (wood-board or wooden planks) as some original houses or some of
the houses were by timber not concrete, which is a reason it was earlier often also called “Emaplangweni”. At some point in history, the B-section in Kwa-Mashu was set up as a type of transfer camp, where people were placed until a house could be allocated to them.
EmiGidweni (traditional ceremonies, of Zulu folksongs and dance), is how this B-Section of Kwa Mashu is today geographically demarcated. The name is originating from “imigido”– the traditional Zulu ceremonies. As such, all Section B Street names are about “imigido” yesintu (sometimes referred to as “imicimbi”) and all related “imvunulo yokuhloba” (decorative Zulu costumes and attire) including different dancing styles associated with traditional ceremonies. There are a total of 28 streets in this Section B. In a Zulu traditional set-up, each home pride itself by having traditional ceremonies at different stages. Some ceremonies relate to the child’s birth, coming-out-of-age (ukukhuliswa), marriages, among others.
(Uku)Giya Road
This road is named after a particular Zulu war dance style that is done by a male individual when there is a ceremony. Normally, the individual will rise up, usually carrying his stick and shield and dance around with the bystanders saluting him with his praises (“izibongo”). At a certain stage all will be quiet, and he will lead them with his praises – as he finishes introducing
his praises – he will resume “ukugiya” again
to the ululation of women and sometimes
few young maidens with dance along in front
of him in an “ukugqashula” dance style (only
young females do this “ukugqashula” dance style
in appreciation of a male “ukugiya”. The dance is completed through raising of hands, thanking the appreciation of onlookers, as the dancer retreats back
to where he was seated. The best individual Zulu dancer
of “ukugiya” is referred to as “igagu” (“the finest”).
Historically, (ukugiya) which is a show of individual prowess during a Zulu war dance; opposing sides would confront each other at a distance of about 100 yards with shouted taunts and abuse; some spears would occasionally be thrown. Giya would last an hour or two and enabled inter-tribal disputes to be resolved by a theatrical ‘letting off of steam’ without causing serious damage. Victory went to the most impressive side.
The “imigido” street names of Section B include “Giya” Road – a street leading to the unique K-CAP’s Ekhaya Multi Arts Centre, along eThekwini Primary School (which was beautifully reconstructed by Cottonon Foundation in 2020). There is also “Isihlabelelo Road” – meaning a song. There is “Khetho Road” – relating to the entourage ensemble of the bridegroom – “ngoba basuke bezokhetha umakoti wabo” (to select their bride). “Ikhetho” (Khetho Road) during a traditional Zulu marriage (udwendwe/umgcagco/umshado) will be pitted against “umthimba” (the bride’s entourage ensemble) at “esigcawini” (the open ground stage carefully selected for the event) – with each ensemble proving its singing and dancing prowess of marriage related songs and dances. The beauty about this
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