Dignitaries assembled at the Ncome Museum, which is 3 km from the Battle of Blood River site that occurred in 1838.

Minister of Sport and Culture Gayton McKenzie and Umzinyathi Mayor Mchunu attended a church service led by Dominee Bennie Marais in the hall at Blood River, where he was well received.

Marais described McKenzie as a hero and he was warmly greeted by those who had arrived to mark the Battle of Blood River commemoration.

President Cyril Ramaphosa later arrived at the Ncome Museum, where he is addressing a large crowd.

Security is tight, with dozens of security personnel patrolling the perimeter and a police helicopter on standby.