Historic Zulu triumph: 147-year legacy of Isandlwana Battle honoured across KZN
KING Misuzulu kaZwelithini will deliver a keynote address at the 147th anniversary of the Battle of Isandlwana on Thursday next week to mark the historic victory of Zulu forces against the British troops.
Image: File
PRINCE Thulani kaGqikazi Zulu, the Zulu King spokesperson said the history of how King Cetshwayo kaMpande who was the king in charge during the Battle of Isandlwana was arrested will be remembered.
Image: KWAZULU-NATAL DEPARTMENT OF SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE
A series of cultural, historical and commemorative events have been scheduled ahead of the 147th anniversary of the Battle of Isandlwana, which will be observed on January 22 in Nquthu, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The King Cetshwayo District Municipality in Zululand will serve as the epicentre of the celebrations, which will conclude in the uMzinyathi District Municipality. The programme was announced by Prince Thulani kaGqikazi Zulu, spokesperson for King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, in collaboration with the host municipalities.
In a statement released this week, the King Cetshwayo District Municipality said the commemorations will begin on Thursday morning at eSikhaleni seNkosi in Port Dunford before proceeding to Fort Nonqayi in eShowe.
On Friday, activities will move to the gravesite of King Cetshwayo kaMpande in Nkandla. Speaking in Port Dunford, Prince Thulani said the day’s programme would include recounting the events surrounding the arrest of King Cetshwayo by the British.
“Many will remember that when the King was placed on a ship, it failed to start. When technicians investigated, the King explained that it was because he had not reported his departure. They doubted him and asked how he could do so when oLundi had already been burned down. When he was eventually allowed to report his departure, a miracle occurred, the ship started and he was taken to Cape Town,” Prince Thulani said.
He added that the delegation would also visit the King’s former compound at KwaGqikazi in eShowe, where King Cetshwayo passed away.
“We will sing hymns and mourn there. The regiments, the King’s imbongi (poet) and amakhosi will be present,” he said.
A series of events are scheduled ahead of the 147th anniversary of the Battle of Isandlwana on January 22.
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At Fort Nonqayi, a memorial lecture will be held in honour of King Cetshwayo, who was on the throne when the Zulu army inflicted a historic defeat on the British Army in 1879. The victory, achieved by an indigenous force armed mainly with spears and shields, was led by commanders Ntshingwayo kaMahole Khoza and Mavumengwana kaNdlela Ntuli.
Prince Thulani said a prayer ceremony would be held in Nkandla.
On Monday, King Misuzulu is expected to release a regiment from Zululand that will march to Isandlwana. The uMzinyathi District Municipality said a number of traditional games and activities involving regiments have also been planned.
“On Tuesday, the regiments will camp at Isandlwana and continue with activities the following day, on the 21st,” Prince Thulani said.
On January 22, the main day of commemoration, King Misuzulu will deliver the keynote address.
The uMzinyathi District Municipality said the commemorative events will continue until Friday. At Rorke’s Drift, floral tributes will be laid at the graves of British soldiers and Zulu warriors who lost their lives during the 1879 conflict.