Dr John Midgley recently represented the KZN Museum Department of Natural Sciences at the 10^th International Symposium on Syrphidae in Lesvos, Greece. A symposium on a single family of insect might seem quite specialised, but hoverflies (Syrphidae to entomologists) are incredibly interesting. Members of this family fill many ecological roles. Most adults are flower visitors, making them important pollinators; some larvae feed on aphids, making them important in pest control; while others are important decomposers, feeding on a variety of decaying material. Dr Midgley presented a checklist of the South African hoverflies, an important step in understanding and conserving South Africa’s natural environment. By looking through natural history collections in South Africa, the research presented added more than 80 species to the South African list, an increase of more than 55%! 

Heritage Day is one of the most important special days celebrated by the KZN Museum annually. The day is commemorated in various ways; guided by theme issued by the department of Arts and Culture for Heritage Month each year. Commonly the day is celebrated to encourage and demonstrate South Africa’s diversity heritage; promote acceptance and respect among South Africans. 2019 Heritage Day was commemorated on the 20th of September 2019.  The theme for 2019 Heritage Month; September was “Celebrating South Africa’s literary classics in the year of indigenous languages”.  In line with the theme; this year’s commemoration intended to promote local content that serves to tell South African stories, heighten self-understanding, deepen consciousness and assert South Africa’s pride in the world.  Guests from two institutions; Indoni SA and Impunga Yesintu were invited to participate. These organizations promote moral regeneration; social cohesion and skills development; hence their relevance to the programme.  KZN Department of Arts & Culture Language Services was invited to the programme as well.  Senior citizens from Sobantu and Youth from Mkhambathini were invited to participate and be part of the audience for the programme.  Dr. G. Laue also presented on Heritage: people, objects and their stories which preluded opening Heritage Display on the First Floor. Mr. Mlekeleli Mbanjwa from Impunga Yesintu gave a brief but thoroughly insightful speech on Creative Writing in Indigenous Languages and further elaborated on the nature and content of two books that he has published i.e. Amava Ahlabahlosile; launched recently and Sithin’ Isintu. Dr. T. Biyela of Indoni SA deliberated on various aspects of culture; and ways in which culture can be used to strengthen Social Cohesion and forging National Unity among South Africans. Mr. M.M. Nhlapho from KZN DAC focused his speech on the significance of indigenous languages in the quest of Nation-Building and achieving national unity among diverse South African societies. All the talks were relevant to the theme, concise and very informative. During Heritage Day Celebration a new temporary display -  Things and Their Stories: Display of Personal Objects was opened. This temporary display is made up of items of personal significance to the staff members of the KZN Museum. The display will be on for a year at the Museum. 

Pop along to visit the KZN Museum at night - for Halloween! Suitable for the whole family! Reptile show, Magic Show, interactive dance demonstrations with Dance Warehouse, Halloween-themed games, mystery box game, Halloween photo-booth, food, coffee and popcorn on sale, face painting, balloons animals, witch hunt and much more.
Come dressed up in your Halloween costume! Bookings on Webtickets or at Pick n Pay only.