Tag Archives: Durban

Travel & Tourism

Celebrate Heritage Day In Cape Town With Traditional South African Food Delights

Maravi Post Reporter

Heritage Day (24 September) is all about celebrating the cultures, stories, and flavours that make South Africa unique. And honestly, what better way to celebrate than with food? In Cape Town, you’ll find a mix of delicious traditions from a diverse selection of communities; every bite shares a story.

Think aromatic Cape Malay dishes to hearty Xhosa comfort food, Afrikaner classics, and bold Indian spices. Here’s how you can taste your way through Heritage Day this September:

Cape Malay

Cape Malay food traces its roots back to the 1600s, when enslaved people were brought to the Cape from Indonesia, Malaysia, and East Africa. These women, many of whom worked in Dutch homes, introduced a fusion of spices and recipes that evolved into the Cape Malay cuisine we know today.

Some of the dishes include koesisters, bredies, masala-spiced frikkadels, Cape Malay Potato Pudding (Aartappel Porring), and smoortjie, a tomato chutney that’s a staple in many homes. For an authentic experience, join Farouck Salie and his wife Wareldea for a hands-on cooking class. Hosted by Halaal Hopper, their classes are as much about storytelling and history as they are about food.

How to book: Call 082 515 2415 or email info@halaalhopper.co.za

Xhosa

The Xhosa people have played a significant role in the cultural and historical landscape of Cape Town. At the heart of Langa lies Mzansi Restaurant, founded in 2008 with the mission of “Sharing Mama’s Love.” Under the guidance of passionate local cooks, including the talented Nontuthuzelo Siyo, Mzansi serves traditional dishes like Umngqusho (samp and beans), Umxhaxha (butternut and corn wrapped in aubergine), Umleqwa (free-range chicken), Isonka Samanzi (steamed bread), and chakalaka. You can sample these, along with a variety of other South African dishes, at Mzansi. There are also immersive entertainment experiences on offer, including an African Marimba band, gumboot dancing, face painting, drum circles, and township tours.

How to book: Mzansi is located at 45 Harlem Ave, Langa. Booking is essential. Call +27 (0) 73 709 2324

Afrikaner Kos

Afrikaner Kos began to develop in 1652, and by the 17th century, a mix of various cultural groups had arrived in the Cape and settled here, resulting in a fusion of flavours. Afrikaner Kos is influenced by many different cultures, including Cape Malay and Xhosa.

Dishes like stokbrood (bread baked on sticks), mussel potjie, and braai bak (a tray of grilled meats and seafood with sides like potato salad, corn, and biltong butter) bring people together around open flames. One of the best places to enjoy these flavours is Klein Roosboom, a wine farm in the Durbanville Wine Valley, offering both dine-in and picnic-style options.

How to book: Klein Roosboom is located on Tygerberg Valley Rd, Durbanville. Call +27 860 572 572 or visit kleinroosboom.co.za.

South African Indian

South African Indian cuisine traces back to the 1860s, when indentured labourers and later free Indian settlers arrived in KwaZulu-Natal, bringing with them spices, cooking techniques, and recipes from India. Over time, these dishes evolved, adapting to local ingredients and the South African palate.

From curries to sweet-and-sour pickles, rotis, biryanis, and samoosas, the cuisine is layered with influences from both North and South India. One dish that captures it all? Bunny chow, a street food classic that originated in Durban during the Apartheid era, when Indian takeaway owners (especially from the Bania caste) found a clever way to serve food without cutlery or formal dining spaces.

At Sundoo, located in both Sea Point and Newlands, chef and restaurateur Seelan Sundoo brings this rich culinary history to life with a contemporary twist.

How to book: Visit Sundoo at 77 Regent Road, Sea Point or Dean Street, Newlands. Call 021 300 5779 to reserve your table.

Related Articles

The post Celebrate Heritage Day In Cape Town With Traditional South African Food Delights appeared first on Cape Town Tourism.

Travel & Tourism

All The Road Closures For The Totalsports Women’s Race

Maravi Post Reporter

Thousands are set to participate in this year’s Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town.

Each year, runners and walkers of all ages are treated to a 10km or 5km route that highlights the beauty of the Mother City, followed by an afternoon of entertainment and fun for all ages.
The Totalsports Women’s Race was launched in the Western Cape in 2001, expanded to Johannesburg in 2007, and made its way to Durban in 2011. The race is aimed at celebrating all women, whether you are a mother, daughter, sister, or aunt. It is known as South Africa’s largest nationwide Women’s Day celebration.

Road Closures

If you are participating or supporting loved ones, please be aware of the road closures on the day. Participants are encouraged to arrive early in case of any traffic delays.

Contact Details

For more information, visit here: totalsportswomensrace.co.za/cape-town-event/

The post All The Road Closures For The Totalsports Women’s Race appeared first on Cape Town Tourism.

Travel & Tourism

Craving Curry? Here’s Where To Eat In Cape Town

Maravi Post Reporter

Craving a hit of fragrant (sometimes spicy) curry? Or something rich and creamy, you can get your curry fix at multiple restaurants located in and around Cape Town.

From family-run gems to fine dining spots – and plenty of vegetarian options too – here’s where to go when only a good curry will do.

Vadivelu

“Authentically South Africanly Indian” cuisine is what you will find at Vadivelu. The restaurant takes on bold flavours, gives them a contemporary twist, and everything is packed with a little attitude. From paneer tikka masala, chicken korma, and saag (spinach) with spicy potatoes.

Location: 151 Kloof St, Gardens, Cape Town.
Website: www.vadivelu.co.za

The Curry Club

The best way to describe The Curry Club is as a “vibrant London style Punjabi flight kitchen sporting a short-order menu influenced by family recipes laced with new India cuisine.” As the name suggests, you can tuck into an assortment of fragrant curries that will make your tastebuds dance. There are a variety of curries to choose from, including chicken, lamb, vegetarian, and seafood. People swear by the Curry Club’s elite vegetarian creation, Baingan Mirchi Ka Salan and lamb madras. For the more adventurous, there is Crocodile Vindaloo and Springbok Fillet Curry.

Location: Cape Quarter Lifestyle Centre: Corner of Jarvis and Napier Street, De Waterkant
Website: www.curryclub.co.za

The Burner

The Burner brings a slice of Durban to the Cape, serving authentic dishes that will make you salivate. The menu is packed with flavour, serving over 15 curries, from fish, prawn and chicken, and Masala Chips Chutney.

Locations: Manhattan Suites and Conferencing, 3 Esplanade Rd, Century City and 2 Eendrag St, Bellville Lot 6.
Website: theburnerrestaurant.com

Khao Hom Halal Thai

Craving bold, delicious Thai flavours? Head to Khao Hom Halal Thai, where the “rich culinary traditions of Thailand meet the highest standards of Halal practices.” From creamy Penang and zesty green curry to rich Massaman and fiery jungle curry, it brings all the flavour and spice.

Location: 117 Imam Haron Rd, Claremont.
Website: khaohom.co.za

Bukhara

A Cape Town favourite, Bukhara blends timeless elegance with modern flair and delivers serious spice. With 18 curries on the menu, standouts like Murgh Shan-e-Delhi chicken, Crayfish Taka Tak, and their rich fish curry make it a must-visit for lovers of bold, authentic flavours.

Location: 33 Church Street, Cape Town.
Website: bukhara.com

Wang Thai

If you’re after panoramic views of Table Mountain and a serious curry fix, Wang Thai in Milnerton is your go-to spot. The menu is rich with variety- from butternut curry (Geang

Butternut) and litchi curry (Panaeng Litchi), and Massaman Curry (Geang Massaman). You’ll also find tropical Pineapple Curry, Turmeric Curry, and the comforting Roti & Curry (Roti Song Sri).

Location: Lagoon Beach, Cape Town.
Website: www.wangthai.co.za

Bihari

Step through Bihari’s grand wooden doors and you’re instantly swept into a world of rich, regal charm. Think golden hues, deep reds, wrought-iron lanterns, and plush seating fit for royalty. The restaurant located at Southern Sun Newlands curry selection is aplenty, from butter chicken and slow-cooked lamb rogan josh to creamy paneer makhani and aloo gobi, each dish is a bold celebration of North Indian flavour.

Location: Southern Sun Hotel, Main Rd, Newlands.
Website: www.bihari.co.za

Maharajah Indian Restaurant


This Cape Town gem has been serving bold Indian flavours and South African Indian cooking techniques for over 40 years. Expect a curry celebration from all corners: Northern, Southern, and good old Durban-style. Dig into everything from mixed seafood curry, palak paneer, or chicken saagwala. It’s proper curry with serious spice!

Location: 2 Woodside Rd, Tamboerskloof.
Website: www.maharajah.restaurant/

Bombay Brasserie at the Taj Cape Town

For the refined palate, a culinary journey at Bombay Brasserie at the Taj Cape Town is highly recommended. The hotel’s signature dining experience combines a setting of heritage-inspired luxury with a fine-dining menu that harmoniously blends the finest

flavours of Indian and Cape Malay cuisine, offering a local twist on beloved classics. Sample a few of their curry offerings or opt for a set menu with favourites like dal makhani, fish curry, and their famous butter chicken.

Location: Taj Cape Town, 1 Wale St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town.
Website: www.tajhotels.com

Sundoo

Sundoo is the brainchild of restaurateur and chef Seelan Sundoo, whose roots in Kerala, India, add inspiration to the vibrant menu. There are around 10 different curry options, including a “Durban-style” lamb mince curry, duck curry, and Pondicherry kingklip. Pop by one of their branches in Sea Point or Newlands.

Locations: 77 Regent Road, Sea Point.
Dean Street Arcade, Newlands.
Website: sundoo.co.za

Prashad Cafe

Prashad Cafe is a family-owned business that serves vegetarian and vegan cuisine that captures unique and unforgettable South African Indian flavours. Prashad (previously Maharajah Vegetarian) has been serving Cape Town for over 20 years, . Popular menu items include butter “chicken”, Palak Paneer, and Dhingri Matar.
Locations: 6 Fountain Pl in Rondebosch, Kloof St in Gardens, Shop 3, Old Village (opposite Mugg & Bean, Shopping Centre, Constantia, and University of Cape Town.
Website: www.prashadcafe.com

Related Articles

The post Craving Curry? Here’s Where To Eat In Cape Town appeared first on Cape Town Tourism.

Regional, Travel & Tourism

Best Places for UK Migrants to Live and Work in South Africa

Maravi Post Reporter

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Settling in a new country is no joke. This process is usually cumbersome, and not doing things right will inadvertently affect your experience in the long run. Those emigrating to South Africa from the UK should not expect anything different.

Regardless of the challenges of emigrating, there’s an easy way out. The easy way is to make educated decisions on where to live and work based on known facts. When considering where to live in South Africa, factors like security, discrimination, job opportunities, cost of living, etc., should be duly considered. 

So, if you are moving to South Africa from the UK and looking for the best place to live and work, keep reading this piece as we’ve curated the four best places for UK migrants to live and work in South Africa.  

1. Cape Town

Cape Town is to South Africa like London is to the UK. Not only is Cape Town among the capital cities of South Africa, but it is also an excellent commercial center. There are various forms of businesses in the city, ranging from retail stores and insurance firms to real estate companies. So, there are lots of jobs available for migrants. 

Also, UK migrants who want to set up a business can easily do that in Cape Town. When you set up a business in this city, you can get a permanent residence permit, similar to the UK’s indefinite leave to remain.

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Even though Cape Town is an expensive city, it is still 54% cheaper than London. The cost of food, accommodation, transportation, etc., is significantly on the lower side of the world. 

Additionally, staying in Cape Town is never boring. The Ocean and large mountains surround the city so you can engage in a wide range of fun activities such as hiking, biking, swimming, skiing, kayaking, etc. Let’s not forget the nightlife as well!

2. Pretoria

As one of the capital cities of South Africa, Pretoria is a fantastic place for UK migrants to live and work. Although not a popular destination for migrants, it still holds unique opportunities and experiences. 

You will find jobs in the education and tourism sectors. The University of Pretoria also attracts a lot of foreign scholars each year, so business people can utilize this market. 

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Rosslyn, close to Pretoria, is also home to large companies like Momentum Metropolitan, OUTsurance, BMW, and many others. So, you can live in Pretoria while working in Rosslyn.

Pretoria has all a city can offer. There are shopping malls, gyms, schools, health centers, parks, bars, and clubs to glamorize your stay in this city.  

3. Durban

If you work in manufacturing, Durban is perfect. You’ll find countless job opportunities in the automotive, jewelry, steel, and domestic appliance industries in Durban. 

There are also considerable opportunities in the shipbuilding and repairs sector. This is because Durban is situated on the east coast of South Africa and has the busiest terminal in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Due to its strategic location, it is a great place to enjoy water activities. UK migrants will particularly relish Ardington beach and uShaka Marine World. At these spots, you can partake in activities such as Kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, parasailing, diving, beach football, and more.

Durban is also way cheaper than Cape Town. You’ll find properties—either for rent or ownership, transportation, food, utilities, etc., more affordable here. 

Regarding health, Durban has the best healthcare facilities in South Africa. As a migrant, it will be in your interest to get appropriate health insurance to cover the rising cost of private healthcare. 

4. Johannesburg

Those seeking a community with many English-speaking migrants should settle in Johannesburg. With the language barrier broken, it is much easier to blend in. 

Interestingly, Johannesburg ranked number 2 in the Internationals work-life index. This city offers residents a plethora of leisure activities. 

Even though the city lacks coastal views, it still has fantastic recreational facilities such as Jazz clubs, Museums, theatres, etc. So, you can never be bored on a day out in Johannesburg. 

Conclusion

We’ve listed the top 4 best places to live and work in South Africa. These places are safe for migrants, have thriving local economies, social amenities, and offer good social life. 

While we have helped you narrow your choice, it would be best if you speak with an immigration lawyer Birmingham before leaving the UK. Doing this will make your stay smooth in South Africa.

Source: Africa Feeds

Regional

South Africa: Over 250 people killed in deadly floods

Maravi Post Reporter
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At least 250 people have been killed in deadly floods that have caused havoc in the coastal areas South Africa‘s port city of Durban in the KwaZulu-Natal province.

Officials had earlier estimated that at least 59 people had died but the death toll has now jumped to over 250.

Nomagugu Simelane, KwaZulu-Natal’s health minister, told local news outlets that 253 people had died. Provincial officials say the number has since hit 259.

Shipping at South Africa’s busiest port had to be suspended due to the severe flooding which has destroyed roads, bridges and houses.

Rains that fell within three days had caused unexpected devastation with managers in charge of the Durban port announcing a closure until further notice.

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Parts of a major highway – N3 which connects Durban to Gauteng has been blocked off.

Two major telecoms companies have reported more than 900 of their mobile phone towers were down.

What some initially thought to be a normal rainfall and lighter flooding has now turned the city of Durban into an epicentre of a natural disaster fast escalating to a humanitarian crisis.

President Cyril Ramaphosa had to cut short a trip to Mozambique to visit affected areas to assess the damage.

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The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) department of education has also shut schools affected by the floods until next week.

The province has been battered by torrential rain and floods since Sunday leaving many families displaced.

Husband of Nigerian gospel singer arrested after her death

Source: Africafeeds.com

Source: Africa Feeds

Malawi, Regional

South Africa’s Durban floods claim 45 lives

Maravi Post Reporter

By Chisomo Phiri

JOHANNESBURG-(MaraviPost)-Prolonged rains and flooding in the Durban area of South Africa have claimed the lives of at least 45 people, damaging the port, major highways and surrounding areas in KwaZulu-Natal province, local officials have confirmed.

South Africa’s military were deployed to Durban and the surrounding eThekwini metropolitan area on Tuesday April 12, 2022 to assist with rescue operations as residents flee flooded areas.

Durban and the surrounding eThekwini metropolitan areas affected

It is reported that some people have been swept away by surging waters.

The Durban port, the largest and busiest shipping terminal in sub-Saharan Africa, has also been inundated with floodwaters that carried away shipping containers and left them in a jumbled pile.

Currently, the authorities are providing shelter for several hundreds people whose homes and possessions were washed away by the floods and technicians are working to restore electricity to areas where power had been knocked out.

Emergency services have also for several days been responding to urgent calls for help from people stuck in their houses but the number is said to be decreasing, emergency services spokesman Robert McKenzie told the Press on Tuesday April 12, 2022.

He said “There are still cases of collapsed buildings where operations are still continuing”.

Adding “Most of our power stations have been flooded and our teams are working hard to restore power to the affected areas,”.

Mxolisi Kaunda, Mayor of the eThekwini metropolitan municipality also confirmed with the country’s local daily papers.

“Our teams are on the ground to try and return the situation to normalcy”.

“We continue to assess the damages, we cannot be sure of the extent of the damages at the moment,” he said.

Regional

APRM and AU’s Peace and Security Council hold first joint meeting

Maravi Post Reporter

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Members of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) and the African Union’s Peace and Security Council are holding their first joint retreat in Durban, South Africa.

The meeting is affording the two organizations the opportunity to discuss ways of better collaborating in identifying early warning signs of conflicts in Africa and devising the best way of tackling them.

In 2003, the African Union established the APRM, a self-monitoring instrument to which member states accede voluntarily.

It serves as an African-owned and African-led platform for self-assessment, peer-learning, and experience-sharing in democracy and good governance.

Focus is also placed on respect for democratic principles, human rights, rule of law and the acceleration of political, social and economic integration in Africa.

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Africa has for many years been plagued by conflicts, wars, bad governance and instability and the APRM has the mandate to contribute to early warning for conflict prevention in harmony and synergy with the African Union’s Peace and Security Council.

At the Durban meeting, delegates agreed that wars, conflicts and bad governance are becoming a disruption to the total development of the African continent, requiring urgent solutions.

Constitutional crises, election related conflicts, struggle over political hegemony, struggle over scare resources, exploitation of identity among others were identified as the major drivers of conflict in Africa, according to the African Centre For The Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD).

The Covid-19 pandemic has also been identified as another major conflict multiplier triggering health, economic, security and Humanitarian crises in Africa.

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The lack of adequate resources for Africans especially the creation of jobs for young people has also been highlighted as a major threat to conflicts.

Experts at the meeting have said that Africa is racing against time to prevent many of the conflicts on the continent because of exponential population growth, rapid urbanization, global economic slowdown, commodity crisis, climate change and disruptive technology.

They warned that if urgent action isn’t taken to tackle these challenges, there would be more violence and death, humanitarian crises, overflow of refugees and internal displaced people, economic stagnation, breakdown in authority and security and destruction of basic infrastructure and government capacity.

At the Durban joint meeting, experiences were shared on recent peer review of Ivory Coast and Egypt.

The delegates at the meeting hope to review reports undertaken over the past two years to enhance early warning strategies and efforts to address root cause of conflicts.

Governance progress in Africa has slowed in recent years

Source: Africafeeds.com

Source: Africa Feeds

Technology, Travel & Tourism

Harnessing the power of technology to benefit African tourism businesses

MaraviPost

Lake Malawi
Young Girl Water Skiing Lake Malawi

Africa’s internet penetration rate stands squarely at approximately 27%, there is yet a lot to be achieved; but this is an opportunity for tourism businesses to harness and benefit.

There are some players, such as travel operators that are already in the forefront; which according to one its CEO Paul Midy, his company is keen on using technology to revolutionize how people travel. This is for instance, through incorporating revenue management systems, which create a smooth booking process for both the customers and hotel partners. Continue reading Harnessing the power of technology to benefit African tourism businesses →

Technology

Harnessing the power of technology to benefit African tourism businesses

Maravi Post correspondent

Harnessing the power of technology to benefit African tourism businesses

Africa’s internet penetration rate stands squarely at approximately 27%, there is yet a lot to be achieved; but this is an opportunity for tourism businesses to harness and benefit.

There are some players, such as travel operators that are already in the forefront; which according to one its CEO Paul Midy, his company is keen on using technology to revolutionize how people travel. This is for instance, through incorporating revenue management systems, which create a smooth booking process for both the customers and hotel partners.

Moreover, speaking on 16th May, at the just concluded INDABA 2017 travel show in Durban, South Africa, Midy stressed that using technology to connect African nations through tourism, will grow the continent’s economy; and improve its competitiveness with other global tourist destinations.

“So try-four percent of money spent in Africa for travel and tourism, is spent by Africans. Therefore, investors should focus more on the one billion people on the continent, and grow domestic tourism,” he said.

Numerous challenges however, abound; these include from the high cost of travel in Africa, to the difficulties of acquiring visas to travel within the continent. It is for this reason that Midy echoed sentiments by South African President Jacob Zuma, who during his official opening of the INDABA show, called upon African governments to ease visa regulations for Africans,  “in a bid to create a seamless travel experience and make Africa a destination of choice in the world”.

According to  the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), global tourism recorded its seventh successive year of sustained growth since the global financial crisis in 2016. Each year, over one billion people now travel around the world, with world international tourist arrivals, registering an average 4% growth. Africa enjoyed an 8% increase in international tourist arrivals, to reach 58 million in 2016, a double-fold growth rate, with more potential for both tourism and economic development.