Level 2 UKZN Tourism students went on a weekend-long fieldtrip to visit various heritage sites in the North Coastal Region of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
They visited heritage sites in Eshowe, northern KZN, a small town with a wealth of Zulu and colonial history. Eshowe has been home to various Zulu kings such as King Shaka, Mpande, Cetshwayo and Dinuzulu and was also the British Military Headquarters.
The students then proceeded to enjoy adventure tourism in Mthunzini, a “holiday town” which was established during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 and was used for disembarking troops and supplies. This is where King Cetshwayo was brought and banished to the Cape after his capture in 1879. At this heritage site, students engaged in activities such as camping, fishing, guided nature walks, and mountain climbing. They were also educated on the history of this town and the role that was played by John Dunn, the first White Chief under King Cetshwayo, who used Mthunzini as his capital.
Their next stop was St Lucia, where they visited iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the first heritage site to be accorded World Heritage status in 1999, to learn about its history and unique natural ecosystems. On this site, students enjoyed a game drive where they watched the Big Five and various other animals that attract both domestic and international tourists to this destination. They also enjoyed a boat cruise, where they learned about the aquatic wonders living in and around the St Lucia estuary.
This fieldtrip is a significant part of students’ learning as it gives them practical experience of the theory they were introduced to in class; allows them to assess the management of, and to present their critical opinion on these sites; helps them learn more about the local cultures to enhance their understanding of this module; and also assists in creating life long memories.
One of the students, Mr Sibonelo Masoka said, ‘The survey of significant heritage sites in South Africa is a fascinating module, which has exposed us as students to various theoretical and practical experiences. This field trip was planned effectively by our Tourism lecturer, Dr Mabuyi Gumede, who ensured that as students we travelled to places of interest that were introduced to us in class, such as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. To see something that you study about equips students with the experience, which is itself, a product. This field trip was very interesting and informative. The activities were outstanding.’
Gumede, said, ‘History has taught me that during the fieldtrip, some students develop historical empathy, contextualise historical action and gain a better understanding of the past. The fieldtrip forces students to come out of their comfort zone, making social interaction unavoidable, hence boosting their confidence. The interactive nature of the fieldtrip helps the students to develop a deeper understanding of the module, promotes involvement and strengthens team spirit. This fieldtrip also offers students the platform to practice problem-solving, effective communication and develop various other real-world skills.’
She thanked young and emerging academics in Tourism, who are under her mentorship, Mr Lucky Mdletshe and Mr Xolani Masuku who were hands-on in the fieldtrip and contributed to its success, ‘which would otherwise have been a challenge considering the number of students that participated in this fieldtrip. Kudos to them,’ she said.
