“On behalf of my ancestors and my nation, I salute a great son of Africa”
This was said by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi MP, President of the Inkatha Freedom party and Traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu Monarch and Nation, at the memorial service of much-respected tour guide, Rob Gerrard.
The service was held on Saturday at the historic old mission church of St. Vincent, at Isandlwana Museum.
Rob was the resident guide at Isandlwana Lodge for over a decade and was well-known among the battlefields fraternity and was the author of several military history books.
People had travelled from all four corners of the globe to attend his service, which was done in splendid style.

Sally Gerrard Fox, the sister of the late Robert and her assistants, spared no effort. The local tourism industry was represented by several stalwarts like local tour guides and product owners including Nikki Rattray and her sons, Andrew and Douglas, Pam McFadden, the Chairperson of the KZN Tourist Guide Association (Battlefields Region), Paul Garner, Johann Hamman and Chris van Schalkwyk.
The princely lunch presented by Isandlwana Lodge, was indeed fit for a king’s retinue. Prince Buthelezi delivered the main eulogy, with one of Rob’s sons, Jamie, presenting a more personal remembrance of his father. The excellent service was led by Father Majola and enriched by the St. Vincent’s choir.

Colonel Simon West, a personal friend of Rob and fellow soldier, brought condolences from the regiment, the Gordon Highlanders, the regiment Rob served in for many years. A lone piper applied the finishing touches as only a kilt-wearing band of brothers can do.

Robert Joseph Gerrard has now joined the ranks of the British officers that lost their lives at Isandlwana, and that old Colonel Pulleine now has a Gordon Highlander in his mess. Rest easy, soldiers.