LEGENDARY playwright Edmund Mhlongo documents the popular kasi of KwaMashu, one of Durban's oldest townships.
Located north of Durban, KwaMashu is famous for SABC1's most-watched soapie, Uzalo, and is home to many top Mzansi celebrities, including Nomzamo Mbatha, Zakes Bantwini, Melusi Yeni, Leleti Khumalo, Zakwe, and Thalente Mbatha.
However, many people are unaware of the kasi's rich history and heritage.
Edmund, who has nurtured many leading actors and actresses through his art centre, KwaMashu Community Advanced Projects (KCAP), has published a book about KwaMashu.
His book, Heritage Streets of KwaMashu, details how the kasi was named and explains its nicknames, such as Esinwawunqawini.
KwaMashu is also unique for having its own anthem, the famous "Ngeke Ngiye KwaMashu Ngesaba Amavolovolo," which means, "I will never set foot at KwaMashu as I'm scared of the guns."
He said that the anthem "logically reflects terror in the hearts of many when KwaMashu's name is mentioned because it's a place formerly and hugely associated with harsh violence and aggressiveness over and above its uniqueness with famous artistic talents".
Edmund (59), also known for plays such as Nandi The Musical, told Daily Sun that KwaMashu is one of the oldest townships, founded in 1958 when people moved from Umkhumbane, west of Durban.
He explained that the kasi has a rich history, as the area once belonged to sugarcane farmer Sir Marshall Campbell.
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Zulu-speaking people found his name difficult to pronounce and shortened it to Mashu.
"The kasi is also popularly known by its nickname, Esinqawunqawini. This name originated from a time when a meat seller, facing a shortage of meat, called on young boys to slaughter a stray dog to meet the high demand for meat from workers constructing railway lines to KwaMashu on Fridays."
"They praised her for cooking the best meat but asked her what animal it was because the meat tasted different from beef, mutton and goats, and she simply answered them that it was Isinqawunqawu (wild dog)," he said.
Edmund said the interesting thing about KwaMashu township is that it's like the whole of KZN in one place, as the roads are named after KZN villages, rivers, and mountains across the kasi's 14 sections.
Other streets are named after Zulu traditional dances, birds, Zulu surnames, trees, and more.
Edmund also mentioned that KwaMashu hostel (Section A) was called Ekuthuleni (place of peace), but historically, the area has never known peace. He said he was inspired by the rich heritage to document the kasi for future generations.
"What's interesting is that many kasi are changing their street names, but here in KwaMashu, there have been no changes because it's all about preserving KZN heritage," said Edmund.
He said it took him 18 months to finish the book.
Edmund expressed his hope of turning his book into a stage play in the future. He also mentioned that he's working on making it available in stores, schools, museums, and other venues.
