Vuleka School learners on their first meeting with Musa E. Zulu in Richards Bay last year
Valhalla Arts and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority join forces with generous partners to deliver an unforgettable coastal experience
DURBAN, 5 June 2026 — This weekend, a long-held wish becomes reality as four students and two teachers from Vuleka Special School for the Deaf travel to Durban to feel the sea for the first time — an experience made possible by Valhalla Arts, the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, and a group of generous Durban partners.
The visit is the work of Valhalla Arts, the disability awareness and empowerment company founded in 2005 by author, artist, motivational speaker and disability activist Musa E. Zulu, who serves as its Creative Director. On 20 April this year, Zulu marked 30 years in his wheelchair, following the car accident that left him paralysed at the age of 23 in 1995. His full profile is available at MUSA E ZULU PROFILE.
Where it began
In November 2025, Valhalla Arts staged the Disability Economic Empowerment Programme (DEEP) Expo in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. Among those who took part were two teachers and four students from Vuleka Special School for the Deaf, based in the Nkandla Local Municipality within the uThungulu District.
During that Expo, the students shared a wish — to visit Durban and feel the sea for the first time.
“When a child tells you they have never touched the ocean, you do not file that away as a nice idea,” says Zulu. “You find a way to make it happen. These young people asked for something most of us take for granted, and answering that ask is the whole point of the work we do.”
The Durban visit: 5–6 June 2026
In response to the request, Valhalla Arts approached the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority to partner in turning the Vuleka School learners’ wish into reality — and to do so under the banner of disability tourism. The Authority is responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of tourism into and within the province.
The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority has arranged with Southern Sun for the four Vuleka School learners and their two teachers to be accommodated at the Garden Court South Beach on the night of 5 June, and at the Garden Court Marine Parade on the night of 6 June. Both hotels are also sponsoring breakfast for the group on both mornings.
Together, Valhalla Arts and the Authority have lined up two days of activities, including the Ricksha Bus Tour followed by the uShaka Marine World experience — all chosen to showcase what accessible, inclusive tourism in KwaZulu-Natal can look like.
The partners who made it possible
This visit stands on the generosity of several Durban institutions:
The Curry O’s on behalf of Trish Naidoo and Dedicated Desserts — the much-loved chain of Indian restaurants and takeaways across Durban and Pinetown, famous for its authentic curries and traditional Durban-style bunny chows — is welcoming the Vuleka School group with steaming hot bunny chows and Dessert for lunch on Friday, 6 June.
Pick n Pay Hyper Durban North is sponsoring two platters for the students and their teachers: one for dinner on 5 June, and a second for lunch on 6 June.
uShaka Marine World has agreed to host a farewell dinner for the Vuleka School visiting team;two teachers, four students and three Valhalla Arts representatives on the evening of 6 June.
A word of thanks
“To every partner who said yes, thank you,” says Zulu. “You did not just sponsor a meal or a bed for the night. You told four young people from Vuleka School in Nkandla that their dreams matter, that the province sees them, and that the sea belongs to them too. That is a message they will carry long after this weekend ends.”
Valhalla Arts extended its sincere gratitude to the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, Southern Sun, The Curry O’s, Pick n Pay Hyper Durban North and uShaka Marine World for making the wish of these young persons with disabilities come true.
