Nestled just 11km inland from Shelly Beach, lies the heart of our hinterland, Gamalakhe.
This modern cultural village, set amongst the rolling grassy hills and prolific valleys of our hinterland, is home to an experience, locally known as the Kasified Eksperience. ‘Kasi’, being the Zulu word for town and ‘fied’, to amplify, ones knowledge of the authentic township experience.
The idea of Kasified came into being in 2017 when Musa Khowa celebrated his 27th birthday in the parking lot of Gamalakhe College. Friends from across KwaZulu-Natal joined together in celebration of this occasion. In true African style, beats dropping, bodies moving, Shisanyama grilling and drinks flowing, before they knew it, there was over 100 people in that parking lot, in joyous celebration.
We don’t know if it was the beauty of the African sun, or the way in which it set over the valleys of our hinterland, the spirit and joy of the township, or perhaps just one too many zamaleks but in that moment, that very moment, Musa and his friends were spurred to recreate this experience, into one which would soon become known as Kasified, shaping the future of their village.
This movement, founded by Musa Khowa; Cebo Cebekhulu; Sfiso Mbambo; Mpilo Shusha and Ayanda Masengemi, envisioned the revival of township culture and the removal of the stigma that might have existed in the minds of many people, but first, they needed a venue.
They came upon the old and abandoned depot of the Ijuba brewery. Struck by its unique beauty and heritage, these young entrepreneurs thought it to be the appropriate venue for such a venture. This building had been barren since the 1980s and was brought back to life in December 2017, making its return as The Kasified Eksperience.
Today Kasified Eksperience hosts a diverse range of events that empower and fully endorse their local community. All sound, lighting and bathroom facilities are sourced from Gamalakhe based businesses and their live entertainment consists only of local talent, such as resident DJs, jazz artists, RnB and gospel singers. Shisanyama vendors can too find a home in Kasified and are a welcome addition at all these events.
It doesn’t stop there, and is certainly not just one big party. These gentlemen have not only created a unique township-tourism product but have also given back all the love and support received from the community, through the establishment of projects that evoke meaningful change. Having embarked on numerous indabas over the last four years that have contributed to the betterment of Gamalakhe, from food parcels, to back to school campaigns, clothing drives and student career expos. These folk are highly admirable and are fine examples of people who possess the best of all human qualities.
When passing this unique venue, one is struck by the abundance of tastefully placed and beautifully expressed graffiti, done by our very own Banksy of the township, although we are told that he prefers to go by Menzi. Young Menzi Delwa is the man responsible for this divine creation in which he expresses the views and the heart of his township. His artistic creations are scattered throughout the Kasified establishment, and all pieces are unique, telling a tale of their own. But there’s one creation in particular, that projects the most striking story, and that is the map, pinpointing to Gamalakhe, shining a light on a paradise that has never been illuminated before.
Southern Explorer is proud to announce that we will be teaming up with Musa Khowa and packaging a bouquet of Hinterland tours, revelling the fine qualities of this community and the beauty that lies within these villages. Unity and creative thinking can lead to meaningful change and it is in this belief, that we say, together we can so much more.
– by Pearl Erasmus