The KwaZulu-Natal government has described this year’s annual Battle of Isandlwana commemoration as a rallying call for unity in addressing the province’s social challenges.

This year’s event honoured King Cetshwayo kaMpande, who led the Zulu nation to victory against British forces at the Battle of Isandlwana on January 22, 1879, near Nquthu. The battle marked the first time an African army defeated the British on the battlefield.

An estimated 20 000 Zulu warriors overcame about 1 800 British troops during the historic encounter.

Honouring history and heritage

The provincial government hosts the commemoration annually to honour those who died in the battle. This year’s programme included visits to Eshowe, where King Cetshwayo died, and to his grave in Nkandla, within the King Cetshwayo District Municipality.

On Tuesday and Wednesday last week, the Wushwini Pan African Centre staged King Cetshwayo the Musical at the VA Makhoba Hall. Directed by Jerry Poe, the production aimed to educate schoolchildren and the broader public about local history. The play was also performed on the main stage during Thursday’s commemoration.

The re-enactment of the battle continues to attract thousands of spectators each year.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Mntomuhle Khawula, said the Isandlwana site would remain undeveloped.

“The area is protected by provincial heritage law. We will never alter Isandlwana Mountain. Future generations must find it as it was on the day of the battle,” he said.

Khawula echoed Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli’s view that the battle symbolises unity. Ntuli said unity was essential in overcoming challenges such as crime, poverty, unemployment, racism and gender-based violence.

AmaZulu King Misuzulu kaZwelithini urged communities not to take the law into their own hands regarding the deportation of foreign nationals.

“The Zulu army at Isandlwana acted under the authority of King Cetshwayo and that is why they won,” the king said, adding that foreign nationals are part of Zulu history and that law enforcement should handle such matters.

Gavin Slater, leader of the Diehard English cultural organisation, said the commemoration teaches younger generations about the cost of war and the importance of unity.

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