Durban Local Customs

The Zulu herbalist, medicine man or iSangoma play a very important role in the day to day life of urban inhabitants in Durban. Yet it is not surprising that one would find a Zulu pharmacy with many of the local herbs, roots or other items that are used in African medication.
This shop can be seen in Fishmarket Street close to the Victoria Street Market.

KwaZulu Natal is home to the Zulu nation. The tribe from "heaven" as Zulu means translated, was brought onto the world map by King Shaka who with fierce battles brought many of the smaller tribes under one group. His battle strategy was so advanced that he received the nickname the Black Napoleon. Even during the wars against the British the Zulus had a few victories.
Today Shaka still plays a very important role as the old leader of the Zulus and hence KwaZulu Natal has a King to this day.

Those bicycles are made as a souvenir, but I have seen children playing with them. Also with small cars, made of wire. 4 wheels, about 25 cm long, and with a rope to pull it. In Zambia and the poor parts of South Africa it was the number 1 toy for toddlers (and bigger).
I have seen a man make them, very handy and quick.

TIP your WAITERS , TIP your TAXI drivers. Don't presume that everyone lives in a mud hut . Be prepared for TALL glass buildings , and heavy traffic.
Durban is a City just like all other citys in the westernized world.

Don't be loud and ask to many questions . Just accept the advice given to you from locals . Don't look like a tourist (Camera , Hawian sirts )Don't expect the white people to be sorry for aparheid.(it was the government NOT them , The whites were the ones who Decided to other throw the aparheid government) Everything in Africa is not BLACK and WHITE so don't make everything political.

One of my worst experiences of a tourist was at Roben Island - A tourist kept asking the tour guide ,who happened to be black and also an X inmate ,DID the WHITE people apologise. It was embarassing for both the tour guide and myself. I felt guilty about been South Africa because of this persons misconception , and teh tourist guide felt awkward.
So think ...

Photo taken at Huluwe game reserve - Parks board game ranger showing friends were Rhinos scratch on Tree Stumps (Ussaly thier butts :-) )