EXPLORING SOUTH AFRICA’S HERITAGE SITES
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TNA STAYS @
Lesedi Cultural Village
The Role Food Plays in Shaping Our Heritage Journey Through Time: Exploring South Africa’s Heritage Sites Walking with Giants Africa’s Festivals : Celebrating Heritage through Music, Dance, and Art
As we step into September, South Africa’s Heritage Month, Tourism News Africa invites you to embark on a journey through time, culture, and identity. This issue, themed Heritage Uncovered – Celebrating Africa’s Rich Past, is a vibrant tapestry of stories that weave together the threads of our continent’s history, traditions, and innovations. From ancient fossil beds to modern culinary revolutions, our articles illuminate the diverse ways Africa’s heritage continues to shape its present and future.
In “Africa’s Festivals: Celebrating Heritage Through Music, Dance, and Art,” Lizelle shares a personal reflection on how festivals bring her Zulu, Damara, Nama, Tswana, Coloured, and Afrikaans roots to life. Her words remind us that heritage is not just history—it’s a living, breathing celebration of identity expressed through rhythm, song, and story. Similarly, “How Food Plays a Big Part in Our Heritage” explores the culinary traditions that connect South Africans across generations, from Cape Malay bobotie to township kota, each dish a testament to resilience and creativity.
We also venture into deep time with “Walking with Giants: Kgodumodumo Brings Africa’s Prehistoric Heritage to Life.” The newly opened Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre in Golden Gate Highlands National Park merges science and storytelling, inviting visitors to walk among fossils and legends that stretch back millions of years. This is heritage tourism reimagined, grounding Africa’s narrative in its ancient landscapes.
At Lesedi Cultural Village, the spirit of Ubuntu shines through immersive experiences that honour Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho, Ndebele, and Pedi cultures. From soulful drumming to authentic cuisine, Lesedi offers a window into the continent’s tribal diversity, set against the stunning Cradle of Humankind.
Our Q&A with Trevor Boyd, General Manager of Food & Beverage Operations at City Lodge Hotels, highlights how culinary innovation is reshaping hospitality. By blending gourmet dining with affordability and sustainability, City Lodge is redefining what it means to dine with heritage in mind, catering to the growing “bleisure” and staycation markets.
Finally, “Journeys Through Time: Exploring South Africa’s Heritage Sites” takes you on a road trip through iconic destinations like Robben Island, the Cradle of Humankind, and Mapungubwe. These sites are not just landmarks—they are stories etched in stone, struggle, and survival, waiting to be explored.
This Heritage Month, we invite you to uncover the richness of Africa’s past through these stories and experiences. Whether you’re dancing at a festival, tasting history in a traditional dish, or walking among ancient fossils, Africa’s heritage is a shared legacy that connects us all. Join us in celebrating the past that continues to shape our future.
Happy exploring,
Derek Martin Editor
“The heart of Lesedi lies in
its immersive cultural experiences, which bring Africa’s tribal history to life. The cultural tour was a highlight, guiding us through five authentic homesteads representing the Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho, Ndebele, and Pedi cultures. ”
Nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the Cradle of Humankind, Lesedi Cultural Village is a vibrant celebration of Africa’s rich tribal heritage and warm hospitality. The TNA team was lucky enough to stay at this captivating destination, and experience a soul-stirring journey that immersed us in authentic cultural experiences with the benefits of modern comforts. Here is a glimpse into our unforgettable adventure.
From the moment we arrived at Lesedi Cultural Village, just an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, we were enveloped in the spirit of Ubuntu. The staff welcomed us with genuine warmth and a heartfelt introduction to the village’s ethos, inspired by King Moshoeshoe’s words, “Our culture is the light of our nation.” Set against the rolling Magaliesberg hills, the village’s African-inspired architecture and vibrant homesteads, traditional greetings as well as arts and crafts instantly captivated us. The rooms, designed to reflect traditional aesthetics, offered modern comforts like plush bedding, en-suite facilities, and an outdoor shower with views of the lush surroundings. The seamless blend of heritage and comfort set the tone for an extraordinary stay.
The heart of Lesedi lies in its immersive cultural experiences, which bring Africa’s tribal history to life. The cultural tour was a highlight, guiding us through five authentic homesteads representing the Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho, Ndebele, and Pedi cultures. Led by our passionate cultural tour guide, Xolani, the TNA team learned about traditional lifestyles, from daily chores, ways of living, intricate beadwork, ancient storytelling and the traditional foods of the various tribes. The tour culminated in a mesmerising display of music and dance, with soulful songs and rhythmic
drumming that left us spellbound. We also joined an interactive drumming session, where all guests could participate, creating a vibrant connection to African traditions. This cultural journey was both educational and deeply moving, shining a light on our shared humanity – something we can all resonate with this Heritage month.
Dining: A Feast of African Flavours
Dining at Lesedi was a culinary celebration of African heritage. The Nyama Choma Restaurant served a buffet of ethnic delights, featuring dishes like spicy chakalaka, grilled ostrich, and traditional Ting, all crafted with fresh, local ingredients. The outdoor Boma, illuminated by a crackling fire, offered an authentic African dining experience under the stars, accompanied by live cultural performances. We savoured breakfast and dinner here, each meal a vibrant blend of flavours that reflected the diversity of our continent.
Conferences and Events: A Cultural Venue
While our visit was leisure-focused, we couldn’t help but be impressed with Lesedi’s conferences and events facilities. The conference centre, equipped with usual modern amenities, accommodates up to 120 delegates, making it ideal for corporate retreats infused with cultural flair. The village is also a stunning venue for weddings and celebrations, with private dining areas and beautifully designed spaces that blend tradition and tranquility. The ability to host large groups while maintaining an intimate, authentic atmosphere makes Lesedi a versatile destination for any occasion.
Our stay at Lesedi Cultural Village was a transformative journey that wove together Africa’s rich cultural tapestry and modern comforts. From the vibrant cultural tours to the immersive drumming and dancing, every moment was infused with authenticity and warmth. Whether you seek cultural enrichment, adventure, or a serene escape, Lesedi Cultural Village delivers an unparalleled experience in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind.
For more details or to plan your own cultural adventure, visit lesedi.com.
n South Africa, food is much more than just a daily necessity. It is a reflection of who we are, where we come from and how our diverse cultures have shaped our identity as a nation. From the rich spices of Cape Malay cuisine to the humble comfort of umngqusho in the Eastern Cape, food is woven into the fabric of our heritage.
South Africa’s history is marked by cultural intersections. Indigenous traditions, colonial influences and the movement of people across continents have all played a role in forming the unique culinary landscape we know today. What we eat and how we prepare it often tells a story of resilience, celebration and togetherness.
For many communities, food is an essential part of cultural rituals. Traditional dishes are often passed down from generation to generation, not only preserving flavour but also teaching younger members about their roots. For example, during a Zulu umemulo ceremony, the preparation of dishes like inyama yenkomo (beef) and traditional beer symbolises honour and unity within the family.
In the Western Cape, the legacy of the Cape Malay community continues to thrive through dishes such as bobotie, bredie and koeksisters. These meals tell the story of migration, adaptation and cultural preservation. Similarly, in Indian South African households, curries, biryanis and sweetmeats are more than meals. They are reminders of heritage, religion and family traditions kept alive over decades.
“preserving and celebrating our culinary traditions is one way to honour our heritage.”
Even popular street foods like bunny chow in Durban or kota in townships across Gauteng carry historical and cultural meaning. They represent creativity, community and a distinctly South African way of making the most out of what is available.
Food also plays a significant role in national celebrations and public holidays. Whether it is braaing on Heritage Day, sharing vetkoek at a local market or preparing chakalaka for a family gathering, these acts connect us to our collective identity as South Africans. They remind us that despite our differences, there is unity in diversity.
As we continue to grow and evolve as a country ...preserving and celebrating our culinary traditions is one way to honour our heritage. Food connects us across cultures, across generations and across time. It is both a mirror and a bridge, reflecting our past while bringing us together in the present.
In South Africa, to taste a traditional dish is to taste history. And in doing so, we celebrate who we are.
Jonty Bruggen News Correspondent
September is Heritage Month in South Africa, a time to celebrate the cultures, traditions, and stories that shape who we are. Heritage Day on the 24 of September is the main event, but the whole month is a chance to explore the country’s rich history. Whether it’s ancient rock art, gold rush towns, battlefields, or fossil sites, South Africa has a past waiting to be discovered - and every trip brings its stories to life.
Robben Island, Western Cape
Once a prison for political activists, including Nelson Mandela, Robben Island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most powerful reminders of the struggle for freedom. Many tours are led by former prisoners, whose first-hand stories stay with you long after you’ve left.
Getting there: Ferries leave from Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront and take about 30 minutes. Book here
When to go: Morning ferries usually have calmer seas, and September weather is mild.
Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng/North West
Home to some of the world’s most important hominid fossil finds, the Cradle offers a fascinating journey into human origins. The Maropeng Visitor Centre has interactive displays perfect for families, while tours of the Sterkfontein Caves let you walk where history was uncovered.
Getting there: About 45 minutes’ drive from Johannesburg. More info
When to go: Year-round, though cooler months from May to September are ideal.
Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, KwaZulu-Natal
These rolling hills in northern KwaZulu-Natal were the scene of two pivotal battles in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Guided tours by local experts paint vivid pictures of bravery, loss, and cultural pride.
Getting there: Around three hours from Durban or four hours from Johannesburg.
When to go: Winter and spring offer cooler days and clear views.
Mapungubwe, Limpopo
Between 900 and 1300 AD, Mapungubwe was a thriving African kingdom trading gold and ivory across the continent. The site is famous for the golden rhino and sweeping views of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers.
Book here
Getting there: About 70 km from Musina; self-drive is easiest.
When to go: Dry season from May to September for better wildlife viewing.
District Six Museum, Western Cape
This museum in Cape Town tells the moving story of a community displaced during apartheid. Photographs, maps, and personal accounts bring the past to life.
Getting there: Located in the city centre; easily reached by taxi, bus, or on foot. Plan your visit
When to go: Year-round; mornings tend to be quieter for tours.
uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal
Famed for its towering peaks, the Drakensberg is also home to thousands of San rock paintings hidden in caves and overhangs. Guided hikes reveal the meaning behind these ancient artworks. Visit their website
Getting there: About three hours from Durban or five hours from Johannesburg.
When to go: April to September for crisp air, clear views, and easier hiking.
“Exploring more than one site at a time lets you see how South Africa’s stories connect across regions, ”
Pilgrim’s Rest and the Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
Step back into gold rush history in this preserved town, then explore the spectacular Panorama Route’s waterfalls, viewpoints, and the Blyde River Canyon.
Getting there: About four hours from Johannesburg; car hire recommended. Tourism info
When to go: Spring and autumn for pleasant driving weather and clear vistas
Nelson Mandela Capture Site, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
Marking the place where Mandela was arrested in 1962, this site features a striking sculpture and an exhibition on his life and legacy.
Getting there: About five kilometres outside Howick, roughly 90 minutes from Durban. Book tickets here
When to go: Mornings offer the best light for photographs.
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not combine sites into a themed road trip?
Cape Town and history: Robben Island and District Six Museum
KwaZulu-Natal heritage loop: Drakensberg rock art, Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift, Mandela Capture Site
Northern Heritage Sites: Mapungubwe and Cradle of Humankind
Exploring more than one site at a time lets you see how South Africa’s stories connect across regions, from ancient kingdoms and sacred art to pivotal moments in the struggle for freedom. Heritage Month is the perfect opportunity to dive in and experience the country’s past in a way that truly comes alive. This September, take the journey - the past is waiting.
Roux-Ché
News Correspondent
Robben Island Western Cape
Cradle of Humankind Gauteng/North West
Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift KwaZulu-Natal
District Six Museum
Western Cape
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
In the golden sandstone amphitheatre of Golden Gate Highlands National Park, a new landmark is rewriting the way we tell Africa’s story. The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre officially opened on 22 June 2025 and invites travellers to step into deep time, where the continent’s past is etched in rock, bone and legend.
“Kgodumodumo” means “Great Giant” in Sesotho, a name rooted in Basotho folklore that long predated modern science. Inside, that meeting of myth and evidence comes alive through immersive exhibits that showcase Southern Africa’s dinosaur record, including displays linked to some of the oldest known dinosaur embryos discovered in the region. It’s heritage as experience: tactile, visual and proudly local.
Set within Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State, the centre anchors a broader journey. Start among life size reconstructions and fossil stories, then step outside into hiking trails, sweeping grasslands and sandstone cliffs that frame the narrative of deep geological time. The space is designed to kindle curiosity across ages, part museum, part classroom and wholly African in perspective.
For travellers, Kgodumodumo expands Africa’s tourism palette beyond Big Five safaris and iconic heritage sites. It adds another dimension ‘deep time tourism’ that sits comfortably alongside culture and conservation. Here, paleontology meets place making: the same landscapes that hold dinosaur trackways now welcome families, school groups and international visitors seeking science with soul. It’s a reminder that heritage isn’t only centuries old; on this continent, it reaches hundreds of millions of years into the past.
Practicalities are tuned to encourage discovery. The centre is open daily, 08:00–16:00. To celebrate the launch, entry to the centre is free for all visitors until 30 September 2025 (standard park conservation fees still apply: R70 adults, R35 children). Pair your visit with a guided tour for context, then explore the park’s viewpoints and wildlife to complete an itinerary that blends science, scenery and culture in a single day.
Kgodumodumo proves that storytelling power grows when communities, culture and science are woven together. It’s a fresh anchor for regional travel circuits from Clarens’ creative scene to the Drakensberg’s hiking routes which is inviting longer stays and repeat visits. Most importantly, it positions African discovery on African terms: not as a footnote in global science, but as a stage where the continent’s prehistoric, living and future heritage stand side by side.
The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre is more than a window into prehistory… It’s a reminder that Africa’s story begins far beyond recorded time. Among sandstone cliffs and fossilised tracks, science and culture meet to tell a tale that belongs entirely to this continent. Here, the past isn’t locked behind glass, it rises up in the land beneath your feet, waiting for you to walk among giants.
This Heritage Month, step into a world where tradition, culture, and community come alive at Lesedi Cultural Village – a vibrant celebration of Africa’s soul set in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site that holds the earliest chapters of our collective story.
Guests are welcomed into five traditional homesteads representing the Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho, and Ndebele people.
Guided cultural tours o er personal insight into each community’s customs, beliefs, and way of life - from vibrant attire and ancient rituals to symbolic dances and traditional cuisine served with warmth and authenticity.
A celebration of heritage.
A beacon of culture.
A home for all.
Can you walk us through the evolution of City Lodge’s food and beverage offerings across your four brands, and what inspired the shift from breakfastonly at Town Lodge and Road Lodge to full dining experiences?
Our guests inspired our decision to introduce the full food and beverage transformation across all four brands, especially the significant changes in the Town Lodge and Road Lodge brands. The evolution has been dramatic for both our staff and our guests. A strategic plan was put in place in 2021, and we carefully considered how to implement our plans across all our brands – Courtyard Hotel, City Lodge Hotel, Town Lodge, and Road Lodge.
Our priority was to get the Road Lodge and Town Lodge brands offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner using the available staff and infrastructure. This turned out to be a very successful operation and even boosted occupancies. The introduction of food and beverage into Town Lodges, in particular, boosted the brand’s identity.
The City Lodge Hotel and Courtyard Hotel brands were also great redevelopments. We introduced smart ovens into these hotels, allowing us to add menu items that would otherwise not have been possible. Our guests can now order from a concise yet varied menu, and we believe we offer a greater variety of options overall.
The group has seen impressive F&B revenue growth, contributing 19% to total revenue in 2024. What strategies have been most effective in driving this 150% growth since 2022?
The main strategy was to understand what our guests are looking for and then find a way to offer this. Our sales mix tells us we are achieving just that – recognisable food that is good value for money, with enough variety to appeal to a range of tastes.
How has City Lodge balanced the introduction of gourmet dining, such as at Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City, with maintaining affordability and accessibility for all guests?
Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City has become a food and beverage marvel within the City Lodge Hotels group. What we have done at this hotel has given us the opportunity to compete in the food and beverage space within the hospitality industry. It has allowed us to demonstrate that we are not one-dimensional in our offering, but rather adaptable and agile in our approach to food and beverage.
We have built a strong local and in-house following, and between The Protea restaurant on the ground floor and The Highline gourmet lounge on the ninth floor, together with the extensive banqueting offering and in-room dining, the hotel is a fantastic opportunity for us to cater to our guests and to cater to the right market as well.
Sustainability is a key focus in your F&B mission. Can you share more about your progress toward 100% cage-free eggs by 2025 and your partnership with Organic Matters for food waste reduction?
Our stance on food sustainability is a serious one. At this point, 95% of our hotels are purchasing eggs from cage-free chickens and all our hotels have Bokashi food bins, which help us send less waste to landfill. We also strive to ensure our packaging is biodegradable and avoid single-use plastic as much as possible across our hotels.
What role have you played in elevating City Lodge’s culinary reputation, particularly with your leadership in the SA Chefs Association’s Competition Committee?
In my role as General Manager: Food & Beverage Operations for the group, I have helped develop and drive our successful and strategic food and beverage evolution, and this has given me more satisfaction than winning a gold medal at the IKA Culinary Olympics.
I was given tremendous latitude from the start, and achieving what we have has been incredibly rewarding. None of it would have been possible without every single member of our food and beverage teams, as well as the support of each general manager. The faith the executive team placed in me and the vision I had has also been remarkable – our success is truly the result of team effort.
When it comes to SA Chefs and competitions, I see it as my responsibility to ensure we have representation in all major South African competitions. This is vital for the development of the chefs who work at City Lodge Hotels.
Post-COVID, City Lodge introduced contactless dining and third-party delivery partnerships. How have these innovations shaped the guest experience, and are there plans to expand these further?
We have reduced our reliance on third-party delivery agents as we focus more on our own internal food and beverage offering. However, from a technology standpoint, we are actively using these relationships to help enhance the guest experience.
Your group has leveraged F&B for events like wine tastings, high teas, and weddings. How do these initiatives cater to the growing “bleisure” and staycation markets in South Africa?
We have hosted numerous successful food and wine pairing dinners at Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City. These events allow us to showcase the skills we have in food and beverage, while giving our team the opportunity to have fun innovating in the kitchen. Our plan is to offer more events with bleisure guests in mind, and ensure our brands stay top of mind when it comes to memorable staycations. Our hotels are great places to dine, whether you are an in house guest or day visitor.
“marvel within the City Lodge Hotels group. What we have done at this hotel has given us the opportunity to compete in the food and beverage space within the hospitality industry.”
How does City Lodge use AI-driven predictive demand analysis to optimise F&B pricing, and what impact has this had on guest satisfaction and profitability?
Our pricing structure is designed to offer value for money. We use our point-of-sale and guest satisfaction platforms to guide us in understanding how our guests feel about what we offer, and we remain driven by their needs and what they value.
What steps are City Lodge taking to nurture young culinary talent through programmes like the Youth Employment Service (YES), and how does this align with your broader F&B vision?
As a group, we have adopted the Youth Employment Service (YES) programme to help nurture young people and inspire a passion for hospitality. It offers a great platform to develop emerging talent, and we have already discovered many gifted participants and look forward to discovering many more.
We also run a learnership programme that gives us the opportunity to develop and retain talented staff who may otherwise have gone unnoticed. It also allows our permanent staff the chance to gain formal certification while working with us.
Looking ahead, what new F&B innovations or trends is City Lodge exploring to stay competitive in South Africa’s hospitality and tourism sector?
The exciting part of this journey is that it is still in its early stages, with so much more room to grow and develop, and many innovative ideas just waiting to be ignited. Our strategy is in full swing, and we can’t wait to show the industry and our guests what we are capable of with each new phase of the journey. We are very excited about what’s still to come in our food and beverage evolution
Trevor Boyd General Manager: Operations
Food and Beverage at City Lodge Hotel Group
“My heritage speaks in many voices: the clicks of Nama, the melodies of Tswana, the chants of Zulu, and the lyrical tones of Afrikaans. Even without speaking them all, I feel their stories, their traditions, and their strength flowing through me , a living reminder of the tribes that shaped who I am.” – Lizelle Smith
Iexperience festivals not simply as events, but as vivid expressions of my heritage and self. Born Coloured, with Zulu, Damara, Nama, Tswana, and Afrikaans roots, I carry a tapestry of cultures, histories, and traditions. Each thread in my heritage has its own rhythm and story, and together they form the vibrant mosaic of my identity.
From my father’s Zulu lineage, I inherited a love for movement and rhythm. The ceremonies and dances of my Zulu ancestors speak of respect, community, and the stories of our past. Every beat of the drum, every swirl of fabric, reminds me of where I come from, a heritage of resilience and pride.
From my Damara and Nama roots comes the Nama stap, a graceful, rhythmic walk that carries centuries of tradition. It’s more than a dance; it is a connection to the land, to ancestors, and to a way of life that honours movement, storytelling, and identity. Festivals that celebrate this tradition allow me to feel grounded in the heritage of my maternal lineage.
Though I do not speak all the languages of my ancestors fluently, their melodies and tones are a part of me. The clicks of Nama, the cadence of Tswana, the harmony of Zulu, and the lyrical patterns of Afrikaans are all beautiful languages that echo in the music, chants, and songs performed at festivals. Even without words, I feel their power and the way they carry history, emotion, and identity.
Being Coloured and carrying Afrikaans heritage adds layers of depth to my story. My identity is a blend of influences, each shaping my experience of South African culture. Festivals allow me to celebrate this blend, embracing the differences and connections that make my heritage unique.
Attending festivals feels like stepping into a living archive. Music, dance, and art are continuations of traditions that my family has lived for generations. The pounding of drums, the Nama stap, the storytelling through song, and the beauty of ancestral languages remind me that my identity is alive, shared, and celebrated.
My heritage is a story of convergence, resilience, and celebration. Every festival I attend reminds me that culture is meant to be danced, sung, and shared. In celebrating my Zulu, Damara, Nama, Tswana, Coloured, and Afrikaans roots, I celebrate myself, my ancestors, and the living, breathing mosaic of South African heritage.
Lizelle Smith
News Correspondent
