Durban’s historic Curries Fountain Stadium has been declared a Provincial Heritage Site, formally recognising its role in KwaZulu-Natal’s sporting, cultural and political history.
The declaration was made by the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute in terms of the KwaZulu-Natal Amafa and Research Institute Act.
Sport, Arts and Culture MEC Mntomuhle Khawula welcomed the declaration, saying the stadium was far more than a sporting venue.
Curries Fountain takes its name from Durban’s first reliable water source, established on the site in 1878. It was officially designated as a sports ground in 1924 and went on to host various sporting codes, social activities and labour movement gatherings.
The stadium also became an important centre in the struggle against apartheid and played a significant role in the fight for non-racial sport.
Amafa said the declaration recognises both the physical site and its intangible heritage, including the stories of communities that experienced racial exclusion but used sport to build identity, resilience and social cohesion.
Khawula said the stadium represented an important chapter in the province’s journey towards democracy.
“Curries Fountain Stadium precinct is more than just a stadium, it is a living archive of KwaZulu-Natal’s journey toward a non-racial, democratic, resilient and socially cohesive province,” said Khawula.
He said the site continued to serve as a common ground where people from different backgrounds gathered for entertainment, community programmes and heritage celebrations.
The MEC also thanked heritage practitioners, sporting communities, organisations and members of the public who contributed to documenting and recognising the site’s historical significance.
The declaration is expected to strengthen the protection of Curries Fountain’s heritage and ensure its history remains accessible to future generations.
Meanwhile, Durban will also host the launch and media briefing of the Botha International Heritage Festival on September 19 at 1pm at 270 Stanford Court.
The festival, which will also celebrate “women of change”, will showcase fashion, poetry, music and arts, featuring designers including Sibu Msimang, Zaviar Fashion House, Tribal Skin, Sipho Mbuto, Treasure Cindi, Pinky Modesta, Indoni Fashion and Beads and Beyond.
The launch is being hosted in partnership with Nguni Haus and Wushwini African Centre, with RSVPs required by September 15.
