By: Snethemba Kumalo

A place called J.L Dube at Inanda in Durban looks like an ordinary place with ordinary people. But the truth is, this place has a rich history. It is a place where John Langalibalele

Dube and Dr Pixely KaSeme, co-founders of the South African Native National Congress (SANNC), now known as the African National Congress (ANC), were born and grew up.

Dube and KaSeme grew up in this place which back than was called Natal. They both studied in America. KaSeme studied at Columbia University and was later transferred to Oxford

University. J.L studied in Oberlin College in the United States.

They both came back to South Africa and together with others, they founded SANNC.

Community members are proud that these late leaders are associated with this place.

Be that as it may, this community feels abondoned by government.

Phenqile Zungu, who is one of the oldest citizens of this township, said that the reason why this place seems like it abandoned is because most people living in this place are now
supporting other parties.

“They have no idea how much effort these people invested for the ANC,” stated Zungu.

Some hometowns of late-struggle heroes are conserved and treated as tourist destinations.

Nomthobisi Zondi, a student from UNISA and also from Inanda, said that it’s like the government is doing this place a favour by naming it one of the heritage sites in South Africa.

“How often does our president or ANC ministers come to this place to visit? Maybe once after three years. Yes we know they are busy people, but they must make time to come here
and honour a place where heroes were born,” said Zondi.

“How often do people talk about Qunu where Nelson Mandela was born? How often media do writes about it and broadcast about it on Television or radio? I personally think there is
unfairness going on in this countries politics. I think it time we care less about Nkandla and start recognise real issues,” stated Zondi.

Despite several attempts, no response was received from the Tourism Department.