Stanger (KwaDukuza), Dolphin Coast, KwaZulu-Natal
Stanger or KwaDukuza, as it is now also known, is today the centre of the sugar cane growing area of the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. It started life as the capital of the Zulu nation in 1820 under the famous King Shaka and is the site of his assassination by his two brothers Dingane and Mhlangane. The capital was abandoned and it was burnt to the ground in 1873.
Thereafter the town of Stanger was built for European settlers and named after William Stanger, the Surveyor General of Natal. It then became the centre of the sugar industry and since then the town has taken on a distinctly eastern flavour after Indians were imported to work the sugar cane fields.Today there is a strong Indian heritage with mosques, markets and temples adding a vibrancy to the town.
A memorial to King Shaka has been built on his burial site and a small museum adjoins it. The original mahogany tree, under which Shaka held meetings, is still standing in front of the municipal offices. On the 24th of December each year, 10000 Zulus celebrate the life of King Shaka in a colourful ceremony attended by high-level dignitaries.
The annual Diwali and Winter Fair celebrations are also held in the town every year. The Diwali celebration usually commences at least 2 weeks before the actual event with what is known as the “switch-on”. Residents of the town are greeted to a spectacular display of multi-coloured lights, arranged in Hindu religious symbols on the main highway. A mini fireworks display generally follows this event and is considered a very exciting moment in the annual calendar. The main celebration commences a week later, featuring song and dance – free food and a magnificently choreographed pyrotechnic display is put on for the locals. The Winter Fair is now an annual event and is used as a way of raising funds for the child welfare.
The diverse and multi-cultural heritage of the town is very evident to visitors.
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