Whatshot

2025
2024
June
April
2023
March
2022
2021
2020
March
February
2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
2017
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2015
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2014
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2013
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January
2012
December
November
October
September
August
July

Traditional Tonga Village Opens to the Public in Kosi Mouth

Traditional Tonga Village Opens to the Public in Kosi Mouth

Author: By Kasia Yoko
Date: 2025-03-27

The 28th of February 2025 marked a significant day for the Kosi Mouth community as the much-anticipated Traditional Tonga Village officially opened its doors to the public. The event brought together local community members, tourism operators, and hospitality industry stakeholders to celebrate the preservation and promotion of Tonga heritage.

Enoch Tembe, manager of Utshwayelo Community Camp, emphasized the importance of keeping the Tonga traditions alive and sharing them with visitors. "We gathered here today to celebrate the opening of this Traditional Tonga Village," said Tembe. "We are proud of everything we stand for and are keen to introduce visitors to our traditions and way of life."

The opening event was nothing short of spectacular. Johdi O'Brien, owner of Kosi Bay Casitas, was among the attendees and shared her experience. "The opening of the cultural village was grand indeed! We were treated to cultural dancing by the women and children of the community, and we explored the traditional homesteads, learning fascinating details about family life and cultural beliefs."

One of the highlights of the village is a life-sized replica of a traditional fish trap, showcasing the age-old fishing methods of the Tonga people. Visitors can also browse a small curio shop offering handcrafted local goods, providing an opportunity to support the community's artisans.

The event ended with an exquisite feast featuring a variety of local dishes, including venison stew, peanut chicken, and an assortment of fresh vegetables and salads.

Beyond offering an immersive cultural experience, the Traditional Tonga Village is expected to boost tourism in the region. Lodges and guesthouses are encouraged to promote the village as an attraction, particularly to international visitors who often seek cultural tours. O'Brien noted that while international guests frequently request such experiences, there is still a need to raise awareness among South African tourists.

"This project will provide our local community with jobs and instil pride in the traditional ways of life and the cultural history of the area," O'Brien added. "As a lodge owner, I will do my best to encourage guests to book a cultural tour and gain insight into the Tembe people of Kosi Bay."

With its authentic representation of Tonga traditions and its potential to support local livelihoods, the Traditional Tonga Village stands as a beacon of cultural preservation and sustainable tourism in Kosi Mouth. Visitors now have a unique opportunity to step into the world of the Tonga people, experience their customs first hand, and contribute to a meaningful community initiative.