A Return to Paradise and its People - Durban

ZIONISM The predominant religious belief systems in South
Africa are a fusion of Christianity and traditional beliefs. Referred
to as Syncretism, Apostolicism and Zionism, Africanised
Christianity is a marriage of western ritual and theology with
African religious culture. The overwhelming majority of
African Christians favour Africanised versions of Christianity,
which do not violate the foundations of their traditional cultures.
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ZANZIBARI The Zanzibari community arrived on
our coast in 1874 after being rescued by the British
from a slave ship. Their ‘rescue’ consisted of a five
year term of indentured labour, after which they
returned to their traditional way of life, collectively
buying a plot of land on the Bluff. Under apartheid,
they were relocated to Chatsworth where they
continue to follow Islam as their forefathers did.
HARE KRISHNA Chatsworth, in South Durban, boasts
the biggest Hare Krishna temple in Africa and is home
to a thriving Krishna community. A visit to the beautiful,
lotus-shaped Temple of Understanding is an essential
part of the Durban experience. And while you’re there,
you should really have lunch downstairs at Govindas,
the temple’s vegetarian restaurant whose kitchen also
provides delicious food for the poor all over eThekwini.