credo mutwa cultural village

For a fascinating hour that drops you into a completely strange and utterly new world, you must visit the Credo Mutwa Cultural Village in Soweto. This is no ordinary village. Throughout we saw large clay figures that told the story of African culture. They were created by Credo Mutwa, the Zulu sangoma (a shaman or healer) and high sanusi (clairvoyant and lore-master) Vusamazulu. He is the spiritual leader of the sanusis and sangomas of South Africa. Credo Mutwa is known for his prophesies, many of which are depicted in the various sculptures and paintings in the village. One of the most striking is his sculpture depicting his prophesy of the scourge of AIDS that has gripped the continent. He tells the story of birth and death with man emerging from the Earth and returning to her in death. He replicates many traditional African symbols such as the tortoise. Various traditional village structures have been replicated. The most unusual is the pyramid shaped hut of a shaman.This is a DON'T MISS. It will leave you wanting to learn more about traditional African cosmology, mythology and legend.

The history is very rich especially when guided by the residence tour guide.You learn a lot about the history of SOWETO

take tourists young and old and the guide on the premises gives a well explained an interesting talk about the works of Credo Mutwa and his prophesies. The art work is very traditional.

The Credo Mutwa Cultural Village is in Soweto and well worth a stop while seeing Nelson Mandela's house. Credo Mutwa is a Zulu traditional healer and artist. Although he no longer lives there, the site contains reconstructions of traditional Zulu homes as well as his large sculptures depicting legends and prophecies. Unfortunately, there has been some vandalism and a lack of funds to properly maintain the site. However, it is still an interesting place to walk around, especially with a guide who can explain the significance of the art. It is not a large site so an hour is more than enough time.Credo Mutwa has made some interesting predictions over the decades. Of particular note is the painting inside one of the buildings done in the 1980's by Credo Mutwa depicting his prophecy of 9/11 with an airplane flying into 2 skyscrapers and much fire. I found it quite eerie.I believe this place is also known as the Oppenheimer Community Centre, named after the adjacent housing project.