Subtotal $0.00
INANDA News managed by MGN Resorts Pty Ltd registered in 2017, is a digital news platform and weekly newsletter dedicated to telling the authentic stories of Inanda and surrounding areas, including Durban.
INANDA News managed by MGN Resorts Pty Ltd registered in 2017, is a digital news platform and weekly newsletter dedicated to telling the authentic stories of Inanda and surrounding areas, including Durban.
INANDA News managed by MGN Resorts Pty Ltd registered in 2017, is a digital news platform and weekly newsletter dedicated to telling the authentic stories of Inanda and surrounding areas, including Durban. Inanda is one of South Africa’s most historically significant communities, rich in heritage, culture, and resilience. Yet for many years, its story has been dominated by negative and incomplete narratives. INANDA News exists to change that. We publish balanced, ethical, and community-centred journalism that highlights Inanda’s history, people, heritage sites, and future potential. Our work seeks to preserve local history, promote tourism, uplift community voices, and restore pride in a place that has contributed greatly to the nation’s story. Published every Monday, INANDA News is committed to storytelling that informs, educates, and inspires - without sensationalism and with deep respect for the dignity of our community.
🌍 National / International Heritage Importance
• Phoenix Settlement was bought by Mahatma Gandhi in 1904.
• Here Gandhi developed his philosophy of Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance), lived
communally, ran a printing press (Indian Opinion), and worked on social justice ideals
long before India’s independence. South African History Online+1
• The historic portion of the Phoenix Settlement has been officially declared a National
Heritage Site under South African law. Government of South Africa
• Today you can visit: Gandhi’s reconstructed house (Sarvodaya), the printing press/
museum, Manilal Gandhi’s house, and an interpretation centre. KwaZulu-Natal
Tourism and Film Authority
• This site is a globally significant birthplace of ideas that influenced civil rights
movements worldwide.
Heritage significance: birthplace of Gandhi’s political philosophy in South Africa; early
anti-colonial activism site.
🌍 National / International Heritage Importance
• Phoenix Settlement was bought by Mahatma Gandhi in 1904.
• Here Gandhi developed his philosophy of Satyagraha (nonviolent resistance), lived
communally, ran a printing press (Indian Opinion), and worked on social justice ideals
long before India’s independence. South African History Online+1
• The historic portion of the Phoenix Settlement has been officially declared a National
Heritage Site under South African law. Government of South Africa
• Today you can visit: Gandhi’s reconstructed house (Sarvodaya), the printing press/
museum, Manilal Gandhi’s house, and an interpretation centre. KwaZulu-Natal
Tourism and Film Authority
• This site is a globally significant birthplace of ideas that influenced civil rights
movements worldwide.
Heritage significance: birthplace of Gandhi’s political philosophy in South Africa; early
anti-colonial activism site.
🎓 Education & Women’s History Heritage
• Founded in 1869 by American missionaries Daniel and Lucy Lindley, it is one of the oldest girls’ schools in South Africa. Wikipedia
• Over decades the Seminary has educated generations of women leaders and remains a symbol of long-standing commitment to education in the region.
Heritage significance: historic women’s education and mission-era institution.
⛪ Spiritual & Cultural Heritage
• Ebuhleni is linked with the Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe) — one of the largest indigenous religious movements in South Africa, founded by Isaiah Shembe in the early 20th century. Drive South Africa
• The area is a spiritual centre and pilgrimage destination.
Heritage significance: indigenous spirituality / religious heritage and cultural identity.
These reflect the multi-cultural history of Indian South Africans in the region:
• Narainsamy Temple – a provincial heritage site in Inanda dating from 1896. Wikipedia
• Shri Jagannath Puri Temple – another provincial heritage site. Wikipedia
• Mount Edgecombe Ganesha Temple – listed heritage site within the area historically associated with the Indian community in Inanda region. Wikipedia
Heritage significance: early places of worship and community life for Indian immigrants;
cultural continuity.
Inanda’s name means “a pleasant place” in isiZulu, reflecting its original Zulu
settlement history. South African History Online
• Missionary schools and churches were established in the late 1800s (e.g., Inanda
Seminary).
• Inanda became a hub of education, indigenous leadership and early political thought – with Dube and Gandhi living and working here. SA Venues
• Phoenix Settlement was a centre of early resistance thinking before apartheid.
• The area experienced segregation and political struggle, including the 1985 Inanda Riots that damaged heritage buildings like parts of the Phoenix Settlement.South African History Online
• Nonetheless, the legacy of what began here influenced national movements for justice and equality.
• Since 1994, Inanda’s sites have become powerful symbols of democratic struggle and cultural identity:
◦ Ohlange Institute’s link to Mandela’s first vote. Durban Tourism
◦ Restoration and heritage promotion of Phoenix Settlement. KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority
◦ Growth of the Inanda Heritage Route as both educational and tourism infrastructure. South Coast Explore
◦ Increased recognition of cultural diversity via heritage temples and religious centres. Wikipedia
Inanda is not only a township with deep cultural roots but also a foundational ground for figures in South Africa’s liberation history. Pixley ka Isaka Seme, educated in mission schools there and abroad, went on to play a crucial role in founding the ANC and shaping early African nationalist politics—making him a key historical figure tied to Inanda’s heritage.|
The Inanda Heritage Route now connects these sites as a linked cultural landscape – highlighting:
• Gandhi’s activism, John. L.Dube, Nelson Mandela first vote and communal experiments
• Black political leadership and early ANC history
• Women’s education and mission heritage
• Indigenous spiritual traditions Together, they form an integrated narrative of struggle, resilience and transformation from
colonialism to democracy.
Community submissions are welcome but subject to editorial review to ensure alignment
with these standards.