Last Tuesday we took a research trip out to Inanda to view possible sites for the Inanda Writers Trail we are developing for the eThekweni Municipality. The area is rich in cultural and historical links with Mahatma Gandhi, John Dube and Isaiah Shembe all having lived here. Currently there is an Inanda Heritage Route but we are looking at specific writerly links.
The Ghandi Settlement
Mahatma Gandhi ran a printing press and school here. The press is still there, along with his house and that of his son Manila. They have been converted into an interpretation centre. Mahatma's granddaughter Sita Gandhi has published a memoir of her childhood at the Phoenix settlement.
The Ohlange Institute
John Dube was the first president of the ANC and started a school, the Ohlange Institute. His house still stands in the grounds of the school, now a museum. H.I.E. Dhlomo has written poetry about the school and about Dube.
Inanda Seminary
Inanda Seminary is a renowned girls school, producing some of the top politicians and businesswomen in South Africa. The writers Angelina Sithebe and Ellen Khuzwayo attended the school.
Ebuhleni (Shembe Village)
Isaiah Shembe started his African Christian church in Inanda. He wrote numerous liturgical works but we are still researching other writers who may have written novels or poetry about the church.
