TEACHING THE ZULU

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20926, 4 January 1938, Page 3

TEACHING THE ZULU

MUD HUTS TO GIVE WAY TO HOUSES DURBAN. November 30. Two development schemes now being carried out in Natal and Zululand by the Native Affairs Department, the reclamation of waste land and the employment of trained native builders in native areas, will prove of lasting value to the native people and the community at large.

Worthless land is being converted into fertile fields, and the natives are being afforded a practical demonstration of how effectively soil erosion can be arrested. Most of the work is

concerned with big departmental schemes, but the object-lesson it provides Is bound to bring benefit in other directions as well. When the native sees that barren hillsides can be reclaimed he will in time he persuaded to attempt similar work on his own small lands.

Trained native artisans of experience are building cattle dips in the reserves; they are constructing modern houses for the Department, and are assisting with advice those natives who wish to build healthier and more comfortable homes than their present mud huts. Many think it is regrettable that still another Zulu tradition is passing, but the march of progress make this inevitable. In the course of time the kraal will give way to the village, the hut to the cottage.

The native is receiving practical training in one cf the elementary principles of citizenship. He is learning the joy and pride of creative and husbandry.