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The historical relocation ofresidents, racial violence, urban development and air pollution are
resulting in the progressive loss of the DMA's cultural heritage. Durban's three cultural
groups - Africans, Europeans and Indians have generated a rich cultural heritage for the
Metropolitan area Many sites are formally recognized and protected, however these are not
fully representative of all cultural groups in the DMA. Many important sites are still being
lost through neglect. The loss of the DMA's cultural resources is impacting on the social
cohesiveness ofthe city and the quality oflife ofpeople living here. It is also resulting in the
loss ofeconomic opportunities available through the growing international market in cultural
tourism [www.durban.gov.za.(2oo7)].
Legislation currently makes provision for the protection ofsignificant sites. In addition. local
government in the DMA provides a range of incentives for the preservation of buildings.
Other initiatives currently being undertaken include the compilation of a Heritage Atlas, the
development of a Bluff Headland Heritage Park and the Inanda and Cato Manor Tourism
Development Plans [www.ceroi.netJreoortsldurban, (2007)].
Unlike the Ulundi Local Municipality, the DMA has a large and diversified economy with
strong manufacturing, tourism, transportation, finance and government sectors. It also has a
dynamic and growing small and micro-business sector. There has, however been little growth
in the jobs provided by the formal sector over the past 20 years. As a result. the DMA
experiences unemployment and unequal access to economic opportunities throughout the
Metropolitan area
In the past, industrial growth occurred with few environmental controls, creating a legacy of
degraded living environments particularly in the industrial heartland of the Durban South
Basin. Economic activity has had significant negative impacts on the DMA's natural
environment resulting in air, soil and water pollution. high nOise levels and loss of
biodiversity and cultural resources (www.durban.gov.za. 2007).
This research on Ulundi recognises the significance of the range of initiatives undertaken to
the preservation and provision of DMA's cultural heritage. With tourism as one ofthe pillars
of development in Ulundi, these initiatives on cultural tourism in the DMA. would provide a
readily available repository ofsupport to the market potential ofcultural tourism ofUlundi.
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