By Andiswa Zondi
A group of Journalism students from the Durban University of Technology (DUT)
recently swapped their notebooks for napkins they went on on a culinary journey
during the department’s annual KwaZulu-Natal Freedom Route tour in
Pietermaritzburg.
The students were hosted by Mt Shekinah hotel, known for its warm hospitality and
scrumptious cuisine. The students were treated to a bevy of meals that turned their
educational excursion into a feast for the senses.
The tour, designed to deepen students’ understanding of South Africa’s rich
liberation history, also offered a surprising highlight: a curated food experience that
showcased the region’s culinary diversity. From the moment they arrived, the hotel’s
kitchen team served up a wide range of dishes that blended classic comfort with
gourmet flair.
Dinner on the first evening set the tone with grilled steak bruschetta, succulent
prawns, and sole fish paired with crispy potato chips. The highlight of the meal was
the grilled beef fillet drizzled in pepper sauce, a dish that earned unanimous praise
around the table.
The next morning, students were greeted with a full English breakfast, complete with
eggs, sausages, grilled tomatoes, and toast, a hearty start to a day of historical
exploration.
As expected, the dessert was the cherry on top. The baked cheesecake topped with
grape sauce and poached pears was declared the group’s favourite, followed closely
by scoops of vanilla ice cream bathed in a tangy blueberry sauce.
“It was a masterclass in texture and taste,” said Amahle Radebe, a student, noting
how the desserts added a sweet finish to an already enriching experience.
The hotel impressed guests not only with its menu but with its attentive service and
inviting nature.
Students described the staff as “gracious and accommodating,” with several noting
that the hospitality rivalled that of more established venues.
For these aspiring journalists, the tour offered more than historical insight; it provided
a living example of how food and hospitality can shape storytelling.
“We came to learn about freedom, but we also discovered flavour. It is a reminder
that every journey has layers and sometimes, those layers are delicious,” said
Prudence Mathenjwa.
The Freedom Route tour continues to evolve, and with experiences like these, it’s
clear that Pietermaritzburg is not only a city of history but also a rising culinary
destination.
