This Easter, not all the bunnies that you’ll find in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) will be made of chocolate!

When you’re visiting the province try its much-loved fast food, known as the Bunny Chow. For the uninitiated, it is a hollowed-out loaf of fluffy white bread filled with a deliciously hot (and equally infamous) Durban curry and then topped with the original inner which serves as the perfect way to mop up the aromatic gravy.

Best eaten with one’s hands, this is street food at its most flavourful. It is a culinary tradition that has come to define the province and the port city of Durban with many visitors actually planning bunny pilgrimages for their vacations.

Some of KZN’s top chefs – or self-declared “culinary artistes” – have tried to serve up haute cuisine versions only to find that some things can’t be re-invented. So, although the Bunny Chow has, inevitably, spread as far and wide as Johannesburg and even New York, it somehow doesn’t taste the same far away from home.

As many a bunny convert will tell you, until you’ve enjoyed one, you can’t quite understand what all the fuss is about. After you’ve sampled a genuine Durban curry (whether mutton, chicken, beef or anything more creative) at the heart of a bunny, you will probably never look at curry in quite the same way again!

The art of chowing a Bunny

Carefully and with plenty of serviettes! The trick is to start with the lump of bread at the top which you can dip into the gravy and then move downwards. Tear pieces off the side and then dip them in the gravy and add meat, taking care not to venture below the filling or you will have a hot runny mess on your hands.

A good bunny comes with tender meat (you can order off the bone at some restaurants), small soft pieces of potato and plenty of gravy. The rule is that a dry bunny is a bad bunny.

A quarter bunny is usually perfect for a single meal, although some establishments sell half bunnies which are great to share. The very first bunnies were usually made with beans, but the city’s curry kings soon hopped on the Bunny bandwagon and added mutton, chicken and even a selection of seafoods that fit with the East Coast vibe.

The gravy is usually the hottest part of the Bunny. If you find that you can’t take the heat, it is always good to have a soft drink or, better still, a beer handy to tame the ire of the spices and keep your nose from twitching.

Making Bunny history

The Bunny Chow is closely linked to Durban’s heritage and is believed to have originated from the Indian immigrants who arrived in Durban as indentured labourers to work on the province’s sugar plantations. It was probably perfected and sold by those that followed to make a new life for themselves as merchants. Over the years the food (or chow) sold by the merchants (banias) morphed into the bunny chow.

There are other versions. Some say that beggars would approach the merchants for leftover food at the end of the day. Because they didn’t have enough time to make sandwiches, they quickly dug out the centre of a loaf and filled it with meat and gravy.

Alternatively, there’s the story of the Indian caddies at the Royal Durban Golf Course who didn’t have enough time to slip away to the then bunny hub in Grey Street for a curry at lunchtime. So, they got their friends to buy their curry and bring it to them at the golf course in an easy to carry format using substitute lunchboxes made out of bread.

The moral of the story is that opportunity was the mother of the bunny invention. Whatever the truth, the most important thing is that you make this a fun part of your Easter holiday in KZN.

Catching a bunny

KZN Tourism and Film authority consulted its Bunny Boffins for suggestions on where to catch the very best Bunny. This, too, came with a warning. In true street food style, the most flavourful fare doesn’t always come from the poshest spots with perfect sit-down areas. Often, the very best way to complete your quest is by ordering a takeaway.

The top ten bunny spots (unaudited and therefore open to additions) include:

• Cane Cutters in Glenwood and Umhlanga
• Gounden’s in Umbilo, Durban
• The Hollywoodbets Bunny Bar, Springfield Park
• Capsicum Restaurant at the Britannia Hotel, Umgeni Road
• House of Curries, Florida Road
• Impulse by the Sea, Tinley Manor
• The Curry Okies in Oxford Centre, Hillcrest
• Gate of India, Gillitts
• Ballito Famous Bunnies
• Green Chilli Restaurant, Margate

The Battle of Isandlwana, in which the Zulu nation defeated Britain’s colonial army 145 years ago, makes an invaluable contribution to cultural and heritage tourism, says Acting Chief Executive of KZN Tourism and Film authority (TKZN), Mr. Sibusiso Gumbi. 

This landmark battle will be re-enacted this weekend (January 27) at the Sandlwana battle site in Nquthu as part of a much anticipated, colourful annual commemoration, hosted by the KZN Provincial Government and the KwaZulu Royal Household. 

“This event is a significant part of KZN’s cultural and heritage tourism calendar and promotes social cohesion and nation building. It also reveals the true value of the overall Battlefields Route which is already an important tourism destination that impacts on economic development in the Umzinyathi District in Northern KZN,” says Gumbi. 

Fringed by the majestic Drakensberg mountains and dotted with the remains of stone forts and graveyards the region is now a popular international tourism destination particularly with the European markets which value their historical ties with the region. 

Each year, according to a TKZN Domestic survey (S&P Global), 544 000 travellers head to the Battlefields as a region.   

Isandlwana, hosted 22 153 tourists in 2019, 19 638 during the Covid-109 pandemic when travel was severely restricted and 18 674 visitors in 2022.  

Referring to the Battle of Isandlwana commemoration, Mr Gumbi notes that the tourism potential of the Battlefields Route and cultural and heritage tourism promises significant economic benefits for the region. It makes KZN a unique tourism destination that offers further opportunities for growth, transformation, and job creation.  

Globally, UNESCO has prioritised cultural and heritage tourism in the recovery of the tourism sector post Covid-19. It now recognises intangible cultural heritage as being as important as buildings and notes that a market for experiences such as the battle re-enactment is significant.  

According to MyTravelResearch.com, culture and heritage tourism plays a critical role in building the visitor economy. A recent survey showed that over 50% of travellers regarded history and culture as strong influences in their choice of holiday destination.  

Although the initial growth in this sub sector was greatest just before the pandemic, it continues with an estimated direct global value of well over $1billion dollars (R180 billion). MyTravelResearch.com also reveals that culture and heritage tourism attracts tourists that spend up to 38% more per day and stay 22% longer overall.  

Mr Gumbi adds that events such as Isandlwana promote the preservation and protection of important local cultural resources and customs, whilst also building relationships within local communities and boosting national pride. Closely aligned with this is incentivising the development and beautification of national heritage sites and the creation of amenities and tourism services that support these.   

ENDS  

 

For more information visit: 

Website: https://www.zulu.org.za 

Facebook: KZN Tourism and Film authority 

Instagram: Tourismkzn official 

Twitter: @TourismKZN 

Pinterest: KZN Tourism and Film authority 

Hashtags: #KZNHasItAll #BelieveIt 

 

For media queries: 

Nhlanhla Ngwenya: KZN Tourism and Film authority 

031 366 7551 / 063 698 7455 

nhlanhla@zulu.org.za 

KZN Tourism and Film authority (TKZN) in conjunction with the Durban University of Technology’s Journalism Department, enabled 10 final year students to explore the Freedom Route and produce stories according to their media specialisation, this week.

“We use media across all channels in marketing KZN as a tourism destination. Therefore, it makes sense that we also assist in developing tourism awareness among aspirant young journalists. In this way we ensure that there is a pipeline of writers and broadcasters that have an interest in and understand the tourism sector in KZN,” said Pinky Radebe Senior PR and Communications Manager, TKZN.

“It is also important that these students have some insight into how their careers can develop. Therefore, we arranged a panel discussion in which senior media specialists, including newspaper editors, radio and television content producers, who started their careers as journalists, unpacked the various career path options available for journalists.”

Adv. Thembelihle Mapipa Corporate Services Executive, Moses Kotane Institute presented findings of research into the gaps in the media space, undertaken by the Institute.

The largest gaps were in drone operating, film producing, language translators and sing language specialists, she said.

The students travelled the Freedom Route from the Old Pietermaritzburg Prison and the Manaye Hall in iMbali, Pietermaritzburg, where Nelson Mandela gave his last public speech as a free man in 1961, to the Nelson Mandela Capture site.

The students will produce a 10-minute documentary covering the historical and lifestyle aspects of the Freedom Route which will showcase at a student film festival in  Germany later this year.

Anrisa Subroyan, a third year DUT journalism student, summed it up and said: “To be able to travel with friends to new places, stay in a great hotel and eat in different restaurants was a wonderful experience.” The students also agreed that the educational part of their tour was eye-opening as they walked in the footsteps of struggle great’s Mahatma Ghandi, Harry Gwala, and Nelson Mandela.

The seminar was rated as outstanding as they were able to interact with senior people in the media industry. “I was so inspired. I was able to share my idea for my career and received good advice from the seminar guests and my notebook is full,” said Spheshile Buthelezi, who is majoring in film and video production.

Whitney Essay, who is majoring in television, said she was so grateful that she was able to go on the Freedom Route Journey. “I have learnt so many things that I didn’t know, and I think it is so crucial that we know these things as South African’s. We couldn’t possibly walk in their shoes, but to get a little glimpse of it has been phenomenal.”

This youth development initiative followed TKZN’s launch of its first annual Youth in Tourism Seminar late in June 2023  as Tourism KZN endeavours to reach a broad range of youth exploring careers in the tourism sector.

Stemming from the Enterprise Development Programme the Youth in Tourism seminar provided information on assistance available to start-up businesses from Tourism KZN, Ithala, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the Small Enterprise Finance Agency(SEFA)

During the seminar 10 aspirant emerging tourism entrepreneurs from across KwaZulu-Natal presented their businesses and outlined the assistance they needed. Of these five were selected to receive concrete and valuable assistance from TKZN, SEDA, SEFA and Ithala.

The emerging entrepreneurial business that will receive assistance are Monate Outdoor Activities from the south coast Ugu District, Hikeobicss in Newcastle, Amajuba  District, Belz Boutique Hotel in Ixopo Harry Gwala District, Mahwaqa Hiking Club from Bulwer, Harry Gwala District, The Harvest Lavender Farm in the Midlands Umgungungdlovu District.

Ends

For media interviews and more information, please contact:

Nhlanhla Ngwenya – Communications Coordinator

Tourism KZN – 063 698 7455 (mobile)

Email: Nhlanhla@zulu.org.za

KZN’s sporting attractions yield millions into economy
Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, February 8, 2019: KwaZulu-Natal is a hot spot for athletes and swimmers this February as we welcome thousands of visitors from around the country to participate in the 46th aQuelle Midmar Mile this weekend followed by the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon next week.
More than R150 million in economic impact is expected to be generated this year for the aQuelle Midmar Mile event, compared to R142 million in 2018. With Valentine’s Day between the two high profile sporting events, the hospitality and tourism industry is anticipating a bumper two weeks.
The province’s next big crowd-pulling sporting event is the Dusi Canoe Marathon from February 14-16.
With focus on the Midlands for the aQuelle Midmar Mile, tourism attractions, Bed and Breakfast establishments and tourism products are gearing up for a busy weekend ahead.
According to an economic impact assessment study carried out the KZN Tourism and Film authority (TKZN), the proportion of visitors to the aQuelle Midmar Mile significantly increased in 2018.
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala welcomed visitors to KZN.
“This is one of many signature sporting events that are staged in KwaZulu-Natal that once again puts the spotlight of our facilities and what we can offer as a tourist destination.
“The anticipated spend and economic impact to be yielded is promising. This will help to create and sustain jobs in the important hospitality sector,” he said.
Phindile Makwakwa, Acting Chief Executive Officer of KZN Tourism and Film authority (TKZN) said: “Forty-five percent of the visitors stayed overnight, opting to stay nearby in Howick, Pietermaritzburg, or in the Midlands. This further creates a sustainable tourism sector for the region and the more job opportunities for the people in the area.
“This event is good for the region because of the spend in the area by the visitors. From the 2018 survey results we found 55 percent came from KZN, followed by 33 percent from Gauteng. Gauteng remains the most important source of visitors after KZN.’’
This world’s largest open water swim event attracts swimmers, family members and support staff to Midmar Dam who will start checking in at surrounding hotels and bed and breakfasts from today, 08 February 2019.
Research has found that majority of the visitors spent two nights in the area. While some used this time to visit friends and family, but more than 80% booked into bed & breakfast businesses and self-catering establishments.
“Events such as these help the province to remain the leading sporting destination in the country,” Makwakwa said.
She is hoping that the visitors take time out to visit some of the local beauty spots and tourism attractions, one of them being the popular Mandela Capture Site near Howick.
When quizzed by TKZN researchers in previous years, 95% of the visitors said that they would attend the event again.
“This confirms that a well-organised event improves the competitiveness of a destination,” Makwakwa said.
And more than 90% of the visitors had also told the TKZN survey that they would recommend KZN as a tourism destination, the main reasons being the region’s beaches, warm climate, the “wonderful” scenery and the friendly people.
ENDS
Notes to editors
KZN Tourism and Film authority is responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of tourism into and within the province, both domestically and internationally. The organisation is an entity that reports to the provincial Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
For more information go to:
Website: Tourism KZN: www.zulu.org.za
Facebook: Page: KZN Tourism and Film authority
Twitter: @TourismKZN
Hashtags

DoKZN #DoTourism #MidmarMile

For media interviews, please contact
Nhlanhla Ngwenya – Communications Coordinator
Tourism KZN – 063 698 7455

KwaZulu-Natal welcomes competitors from around the world for the biggest canoe marathon in Africa, the FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon, which kicks off tomorrow, 14 February 2019.

Canoeist from Europe, United-States, South America, the continent and South Africa are “Doing the Dusi’’. The FNB Dusi Canoe Marathon has become a bucket list event and this year, it has attracted the biggest contingent of international paddlers in the history of the legendary race.

The marathon starts in Pietermaritzburg and finishes at Blue Lagoon this Saturday, 16 February 2019.

The final day of the race will be livestreamed and spectators from around the globe will get a front row seat of the event, putting KZN on the global stage.

“Events of such magnitude are pivotal for the province’s economy. Over the past few years, we have seen a massive growth in international participants. The use of technology such as live streaming this event will enable us to position KZN not only as a top sporting destination, but these audiences will get to see the beauty and splendor of our Zulu Kingdom.

‘’And this will possibly encourage them to possibly consider KZN as their next holiday destination, “said Sihle Zikalala, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

“The marathon goes through some of the most scenic sights of KZN making this the perfect adventure tourism destination for both the participants and their support teams,” Zikalala added.
Phindile Makwakwa, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Tourism KZN said she was delighted that this year there were canoeists from 10 countries taking part.

“This year we have canoeists coming as far as Austria, Denmark, the United States, Sweden, England and Colombia, most of whom have been in the country for almost 10 days to learn the rivers and the course.

‘’This race is one of many big sporting events that put the province on the global tourism and adventure sport map,” she said, pointing out the KZN also hosts the Vodacom Durban July, the Tsogo Sun Amashova cycle classic, the Comrades Marathon and the Midmar Mile.

The marathon is expected to have a massive economic spin-off for the province too, she said. Last year the economic impact topped more than R6-million, helping to create and sustain jobs in the hospitality industry.

Recent trends have shown that a number of canoeists and their supporters arrive early in the week and stay a bit longer after the event to sample some of the nearby tourism attractions.
Some canoeists come with their families and up to 20 crew who support them along the route.
If previous years activities around the Dusi are anything to go by, the tourism and hospitality sector are optimistic it would add more to their coffers.

ENDS
Notes to editors
KZN Tourism and Film authority is responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of tourism into and within the province, both domestically and internationally. The organisation is an entity that reports to the provincial Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

For more information go to:
Website: Tourism KZN: www.zulu.org.za
Facebook: Page: KZN Tourism and Film authority
Twitter: @TourismKZN
Hashtags

DoKZN #DoTourism #WeGetWhyYouPaddle #FNBDusi2019

For media interviews, please contact
Nhlanhla Ngwenya – Communications Coordinator
Tourism KZN – 063 698 7455