Инанда: Оңтүстік Африка тарихындағы үш тұлғаның іздері

John Langalibalele Dube, affectionately known as "Mafukuzela," alongside his wife Nokutela Dube, were born in the 1870s at an American operated Christian mission station located in Inanda. As the son of a respected Zulu clergyman, Dube received his education at Oberlin College in the United States. Upon his return to his birthplace of Inanda, Dube embarked on a path of intellectual exploration, composing a series of insightful essays concerning the history and advancement of Africans. In 1903, he made a significant contribution to media by establishing the inaugural bilingual Zulu/English newspaper, titled Ilanga laseNatali (The Sun of Natal). He assumed the role of the first president of the South African Native National Congress, from 1912 to 1917. This organization later evolved into the influential African National Congress. Inspired by the work of African American educator Booker T. Washington and his Tuskegee University, Dube and his wife founded several schools in Inanda, including Ohlange High School, Redfern Primary School, and Langalibalele High Primary School. Dube's home neighborhood in Inanda, Dube Village, now contains numerous memorials to his efforts.

In the year 1903, Mahatma Gandhi, who had established his residence in the nearby city of Durban in 1893, founded a modest settlement known as Phoenix Settlement on the northwestern periphery of Inanda. This village like community featured residences, a clinic, a school, and a printing press, and played a pivotal role as a dwelling place for Gandhi, his family, and his supporters. Their collective mission was to advocate for societal transformation through nonviolent resistance. The influential newspaper Indian Opinion, which vigorously championed the civil rights of both Indian South Africans and native Africans, was published from this site in four different languages. Even after Gandhi's departure in 1914, Phoenix Settlement continued to be a home for various residents and activists, including his son, Manilal Gandhi. As the 1980s unfolded, the vicinity of the Settlement witnessed the emergence of a squatter camp named Bhambayi, which eventually encompassed much of the area. The year 1985 witnessed riots within the camp, driven by opposition to apartheid policies, resulting in significant damage to the structures of Phoenix Settlement. Subsequently, the community largely fell into disuse until February 2000, when then President Thabo Mbeki formally committed to its reestablishment and restoration. This commitment materialized within the same year, leading to the successful restoration of Phoenix Settlement. Phoenix Settlement was declared a National Heritage Site by the South African government in 2020.

In the early 20th century, Isaiah Shembe, a prominent Zulu mystic and charismatic preacher, established the Nazareth Baptist Church in Inanda. This African initiated church elements of Christianity with indigenous Zulu traditions. Central to the church's teachings are principles of abstemious living and adherence to the Ten Commandments. The followers of this faith, commonly referred to as "Shembe," quasi messianic attributes to Isaiah Shembe and his descendants. Over the course of more than a century since its inception, the Church has experienced multiple divisions. The majority of Shembe adherents continue to originate from the KwaZulu Natal region, and the revered historical site of the Inanda church headquarters, known as ekuPhakameni, remains in active use.

During the period spanning from 1978 to 1994, Inanda witnessed a series of intense confrontations between its African and Indian communities, leading to significant upheaval. A notable outcome of these events was the relocation of a substantial portion of the town's Indian populace to the neighboring areas of Phoenix and Verulam.

Adjacent communities within the KwaZulu Natal province, including the prominent city of Durban, encompass KwaMashu and Ntuzuma. Inanda Township occupies an extensive geographical area and is segmented into multiple sections. Unlike neighboring KwaMashu, these divisions are denoted by actual names rather than letters. Among these sections are Inanda Newtowns A, B, and C (locally referred to as Ematendeni), Dube Village, Ezimangweni, White City, Langalibalele, Ohlange, Amaoti, Lindley, Congo (D. R), Amatikwe, Phola, Ngoqokazi, Tafuleni, Ntanda, Emachobeni, Ngcungcwini, Soweto, and Glebe. Although there exists ongoing discourse concerning whether the area extending from Umzinyathi to Manyaseni falls within Inanda's boundaries, it is situated within the Qadi Area. However, the Qadi Area lacks official standalone recognition, necessitating its residents to employ Inanda for postal addresses and commercial purposes. Notably, the Inanda section of Ohlange has evolved into a notable tourist destination due to its significant historical association with the esteemed late Dr. John Langalibalele Dube.

In the realm of economics, Inanda Township exhibits a range of features. To the northern extent of the township lies Inanda North Town Centre, colloquially referred to as eMtshebheni by locals. This hub encompasses various establishments including well known stores like Shoprite, Checkout, Saverite, Furnco, Pep Store, Buildit, Cashbuild, and others. Adjacent to this commercial zone is the Inanda SAPS Station. On the southern fringes of the township stands the Dube Village Mall, a tribute to the late Dr. John Langalibalele Dube. Within this mall, one finds amenities such as the Inanda Post Office, Shoprite, and a variety of other stores. The culinary scene is enriched by franchise restaurants like KFC and Debonairs Pizza, accompanied by local entertainment venues like Sbu's Lounge in Amatikwe, Under The Moon Exclusive Lounge in Lindley, and Zack's Exclusive Lounge in Inanda Glebe. Turning to infrastructure, the township has several community health centers catering to residents' healthcare needs. Notable among these are the Inanda CHC Clinic on Umshado Road, Newtown C, as well as the Inanda Newtown A & B Clinics, Sivananda Clinic in Ohlange, St. Joseph's Roman Clinic in Amatikwe, and Bhekimpilo Clinic in Amatikwe, among others. The Abalindi Old Age & Orphanage Home is located in Amatikwe. Additionally, the township offers various recreational facilities, including sporting fields with the Dr. JL Dube Stadium being a prominent landmark. These are complemented by children's parks and innovative Fitness Parks introduced by the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle within the township. Notably, the Tafuleni Cemetery Park in the Tafuleni Section holds significance as one of the largest cemetery parks within the eThekwini Metropolitan area.

Inanda serves as the central hub for the bilingual (English/Zulu) radio station, Inanda FM, which airs across the entirety of KwaZulu Natal. Additionally, it holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Ilanga laseNatal, an esteemed newsletter publication founded by John Langalibalele Dube.