An Initiative by the Research Of Currie’s and Surrounds (ROCS) Project
Date: 17 June – 09 July 2010
Time: 6pm
Venue: Exam Hall, Ritson Campus, Durban University of Technology
The exhibition will be open to the public from 10am to 2pm
The Research of Curries and Surrounds (ROCS), Heritage Research Project at Durban University of Technology (DUT) is proudly supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). As part of ROCS establishing initiatives, to inform the public of the projects future plans and developments, it will host an exhibition showcasing a history of Curries Fountain.

Currie’s Fountain, sports ground popularly known as “Currie’s” is an iconic sports and a politically charged site, with a rich history that has not been told nor recognized for its role as an arena of struggle and development. The exhibition will highlight Durban’s soccer history together with that of other sports and political activities associated with Curries Fountain. The exhibition will also pay homage to legendary photographers Ranjit Kally and Rafs Mayet, amongst other photojournalist who contributed to capturing historic moments, during the 1960s to 1990s.

The exhibition objective is also to inspire discourse and dialogue through interaction with the greater Durban community and all those who shared a part of its history. The exhibition is reflective of history in the making as it documents our history as it happened. The project hopes to inspire local historians, researchers, the media and community members to preserve the memories of our past, so we may continue to tell our historical tales to future generations.

The ROCS primary object is keeping history alive, the ROCS Research Committee has embarked on a campaign to collect and research all activities related to the popular location. The committee has made a call to the public to submit photos, memorabilia, videos and audio clips, posters and paintings to contribute to the memoirs of Currie’s Fountain. All photos and memorabilia will be scanned and returned to the owners.

Professional soccer amongst ‘non whites’ in Durban, was born at Currie’s Fountain. Soccer was formally organized at the venue in 1925 under the auspices of the Durban Indian Sports Ground Association (DISGA). Currie’s Fountain has since then hosted countless league matches, friendlies and cup finals to capacity crowds. It was the birth place and home of the non- racial movement in the organization of soccer that gave birth to the federation. The humble water-logged space was more than just a sport ground, it was hallowed territory and people came from far and wide to grace its grounds.

Soccer was the dominant sport, however, Currie’s was also the venue for cricket, athletics, golf, motorcycle and car track racing, tennis, boxing, karate, wrestling, music festivals, cultural events and became a major site for protest and resistance. Historically, the venue has always been used as the starting point for protest marches into the city and a place for mass public meetings, which began in 1913.

For more information, please contact the ROCS Team
Len Rosenberg:
Office: 031 3732286
031 4684557
Mobile: 083 777 2900
E-mail: rosenbl@dut.ac.za

Ishaan Blunden:
Mobile: 0825618730
E-mail: ishaanb@telkomsa.net

Aziz Hassim
Mobile: 0837868819
E-mail: aziz@hassim.co.za

Veena Partab
Office: 031 3736732
Mobile: 082 826 8995
E-mail: partabv@dut.ac.za

Sam Moodley
Mobile: 0837801948
E-mail: nyko@telkomsa.net

General Enquiries: Vumile Ngidi
Office: 031 3732708
E-mail: vumilen@dut.ac.za