The Umgungundlovu Multimedia Centre is situated in the Emakhosini Valley near Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The valley has a rich and diverse history. Many stories and history of the Zulu nation have gone untold for many years, particularly with regards to the battles fought with the Afrikaans Voortrekkers (Dutch for pioneers) and British colonialists in the 18th and 19th centuries. Now, on this unique platform their stories can finally be heard and experienced in English and Zulu.

This ambitious project was the brain child of Gavin Olivier from Digital Fabric. Over the years we have completed numerous successful installations together and this was our most extraordinary yet! The table is a 3-dimensional relief map of the Emakhosini Valley. The two touch-screens mounted on the side of the table present visitors with a menu. From the menu, various narrated animations can be chosen which are then projected onto the table. Since most of the Centre’s audiences haven’t had much experience with hi-tech devices or computers – it was crucial that the interface was easy-to-use and quick for novice users to master.

The interface and animations are available in English and Zulu. The stories tell of the many sites of interest, historical graves, battles, amaKhanda (royal enclosures) and natural history in the valley.

Nearby the table there are four identical Tourist Kiosks with detailed content about the surrounding areas and activities. Visitors can read about nearby attractions, scroll through images or slide their way across beautiful, panoramic landscapes. There is even a section where visitors can create their own Nguni cow and name it.

Awards:
Gold Loerie 2010 – Digital Application
IMA Museum Best in Class 2010