10 Reasons to Visit the KZN South Coast this holiday

Visitors coming through to the KwaZulu-Natal this holiday should put the iconic South Coast on the itinerary. Already an established holiday destination, the local tourism implementing agency – Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) – is driving the ‘The Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom’ as an international attraction, boasting a range of exciting activities and heritage experiences all within some of the country’s most beautiful locations.

“There are so many reasons the KZN South Coast continues to draw in holidaymakers but one of our biggest strengths is the sheer diversity of the region,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of USCT. “From our Blue Flag Beaches and internationally-rated diving sites, through to our nature reserves and extreme outdoor activities, everyone is ensured of a really memorable holiday experience.”

If you haven’t yet visited the KZN South Coast and are in need of some convincing, here are 10 reasons to put this seaside location on your holiday schedule.

1.            KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails

Get a taste of traditional culture and natural beauty through any of the three recently-opened multi-trails – the 20km 4×4 trail; 10-kilometre trail run; or the 4km hiking trail traversing the Mpenjati River valley.

2.            Shark Diving

Get an up-close experience with some of the oceans’ most important inhabitants with any number of reputable shark diving organisations.

3.            Wild 5 Adventures

Suspension bridges…wild water rafting…abseiling…foefie sliding…wild swing jumps…if it’s extreme, Oribi’s Wild 5 Adventures has it! Feel the ultimate adrenaline rush with this award-winning adventure company.

4.            Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve

Experience the grassland, parkland, wetland and coastal forest habitats indigenous to this area and home to more than 300 bird species and a variety of beautiful wildlife. Take it in with a hiking trail or 4×4 adventure – whatever suits your style!

5.            Surfing lessons

Find out what all the fuss is about by taking up some introductory surf lessons with any number of local surf schools. Become one with the waves this summer!

6.            Gamalakhe Township

Get a taste of local history during this enlightening township experience, discovering the history of forced removals and establishment of Tin Town. This is also home to the vibrant Ugu Sport & Leisure Centre was created as a practice stadium for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, an ideal venue for conferences, events and exhibitions.

7.            Crocworld Conservation Centre

The perfect family day out can be found in Scottburgh’s Crocworld Conservation Centre, home to a wide variety of local birds and animals. Make sure to visit at 11am or 3pm for the crocodile feeding and talk. The December holiday programme also includes a snake demonstration at 10.15am, a vulture feeding every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 2pm, a fun (and safe!) snake and crocodile interaction session at 1.30pm daily. And don’t miss out on Henry the Nile Crocodile’s 119th birthday celebration on Monday, 16 December!

8.            Nkomba Conservation Area

Take a hike through the recently rehabilitated Nkomba site located within the Pennington Conservancy. This significant environmental gem gives visitors a view of what can be achieved when a space is transformed back to its natural status.

9.            MTB Trails

The incredible natural landscape within the KZN South Coast has seen mountain bikers countrywide and beyond drawn to the many well-maintained trails. Ingeli Forest Lodge, Lake Eland Nature Reserve, Clearwater Trails, Rocky Bay…and so many more trails to explore on the KZN South Coast!

10.          The Golf Coast

A golfer’s holiday dream, the region is home to 11 golfing destinations, most of them set against a backdrop of endless ocean views and designed within the indigenous coastal vegetation.

If you’re visiting the KZN South Coast around 13 December, you can expect to be personally welcomed by Mayor of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM), Cllr Cynthia Mqwebu! This annual Mayoral Roadblock is a time-honoured South Coast tradition that ensures visitors get a welcome from the top level of the region.

There’s so much to enjoy on the KZN South Coast! For more information on USCT and upcoming events, visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za, the ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page or @infosouthcoast on Twitter using the #travelsouthcoast #tourismsouthcoast #kznsouthcoast hashtags, or download the FREE ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app (available mid-December).

Ezakithi Music Outreach

The first Annual Ezakithi Music Outreach is taking place at the Bat Centre on the 7th December 2019. The program consists of two halves, a music industry workshop that is free of charge to all budding musicians and likeminded individuals. This will run from 12pm to 4pm. The panel will feature Thando Nyameni – General Manager at KUMISA (Kwazulu Natal Music Industry Association) and Sphe Mbhele from The Music Imbizo to name a few.

The second part of the program is in the main hall at the BAT Centre at 5pm. This is where the six South African cultures will battle it out in the indigenous music competition and the winner will walk away with R10 000!  Ezakithi Music Outreach is delighted to have two music professors on our panel of judges, Mr Bhekani Buthelezi and Mr Sandile Vilakazi from the University of Zululand.

That’s not all, the competition audience will be entertained by two KZN sensations, Maskandi Artist Njoko and Tribal Queen sensation Lizwi M!

Distruction Boyz have created a brand new sound (EGM)

Distruction Boyz became Known for being the international face of Gqom music, which is a dark sound that emanates from backrooms in townships, after breaking the record of Best Selling Gqom album “Gqom Is The Future” and touring the world – the duo have now created a new sound called EGM.
EGM is an African version of EDM(EDM is Electronic Dance Music which is very popular in Europe it’s an uptempo sound that’s loved by festival lovers and dance music enthusiasts). The new sound that is soon to hit the international stage is a mixture of Gqom & EGM. “Many people didn’t understand the Gqom sound and we don’t blame them because the sound is so raw and rough. But when we started visiting international studios, hanging with world producers and learning more about music as a whole we decided to upgrade our sound. We played around with different sounds until we found synergy and found similarities between Gqom & EDM from there we merged the 2 to create a new song. A much smoother, clearer, more refined in the ear and easier to attach an international vocal other than gimmicks that cant be played on radio. This new sound will make international superstars want to collaborate with South African producers because the sound has such an international appeal. We think this is going to be the biggest bridge in placing us big players in the world & not as underdogs from South Africa” – Goldmax. 
Distruction Boyz are currently in talks with various stakeholders to have the sound recognized in digital stores & exported the the world. Should this happen this means the Boyz are going to enter the books of legends because they will forever be recognized as the pioneers of Gqom and the creators of this new sound. 
A taste of the new sound will be available on digital stores in their new album titles “From the Streets to the World” (now available on pre-order). The first single feat “Nevermind” festures Zhano is set to take the world by storm and will be available when you pre-order the album. 
Distruction Boyz are set to train young producers about this new sound so that they transmit all the knowledge they’ve gained abroad so young producers can be know which route to take in creating music that will appeal to the world yet remain true to their African roots.

Artist Of The Week: Afrotainments Siphamandla Dlamini aka Paras

Siphamandla Dlamini better known as Paras in the music scene, was born and raised in KwaMashu and Ulundi. He went to Masibumbane High School, Ulundi where he discovered his talent while growing up as a church boy by learning how to play drums. At some point, he gave up and focused on school and sports (VolleyBall and Soccer) which he played at district level. During his senior high school level, the music calling haunted him – he then went back to playing drums at church. From then on, he never looked back as he was given a chance to play for talented Nqubeko Mbatha who was then playing and directing at an internationally known music choir Joyous Celebration. While growing up, Paras used to listen to kwaito, african jazz, R’n b soul music and maskandi which was the influence from his late uncle.

Music Journey

Paras started growing up musically even more after moving to Durban full time having completed his high school level (matric). He started playing and sharing big stages with the likes of Joyous Celebration, Nqubeko Mbatha, Vuyo Mokoena, Judith Sephuma, Swazi Dlamini, Kelly Khumalo, Vuka Afrika, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, Nduduzo Makhathini to mention just a few.

In 2010, Paras’ carrier changed even more when he presented his first show as a Drummer/Vocalist, composer and song-writer called The Journey Begins, a gospel concert. He never looked back as he was still looking for his original sound as an emerging artist. In 2012/13, Paras found his sound which he calls Ubuntu Soul Africa (world music). He met the jazz maestro,  Themba Mkhize and after just a few months, he moved to Johannesburg to stay with Mr Mkhize. He then started recording a jazz album produced by both Themba Mkhize and Nduduzo Makhathini. 

Late 2014, he started receiving calls to collaborate with DurbanDj’s and his very first collaboration was when he did a hit single that revived the vosho dance even more (Benny Maverick ft Paras- Vosho). That’s the song which really introduced him to the House Music market. He got a follow up single with (Dj Websta ft Paras & Dj Nastor- Ungowami). From then on, he got more involved in the dance music working with the likes of Dj Fisherman, Mondli Ngcobo, Sobz, Demor, Dj Doc (underground dj).

A life changing experience was in 2017 when Paras joined DJ TIRA’s recording label,  AFROTAINMENT.

That’s when things turned around. He worked alongside a highly profiled producer Prince Bulo on a collaborative album Afro Summer 2017 by Ezase-Afro. Where he collaborated on the following tracks:

DJ TIRA ft Paras & Emza- Sobuye Sibonane

PARAS & LUKE- Imithandazo

DJ CNDO & ZODWA WABANTU ft Paras & Character- Bheja 

This album features most hits and popular music like Malume, Mamelani, Amadada, uSwidi Wodwa Lo, Iscathulo to name just a few. 

He has also made appearances on SABC 1’s Yo Tv and Metro FM performing live along-side the legend, DJ TIRA, Prince Bulo and Tipcee. Paras has yet to released his debut hit single QONDI produced by Prince Bulo.