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Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek decides that December 16 will be a public holiday called Dingaan's Day

This day in history

… to make December 16 a holiday named Dingaan's Day was in celebration for what Voortrekkers viewed as a 'victory' over Zulu warriors near the Ncome River in KwaZulu Natal. On that day an estimated 10 000-20 000 Zulu warriors led by Dingane's generals Dambuza (Nzobo) and Ndlela kaSompisi attacked about 470 Voortrekkers at dawn. With the advantage of gun powder Zulu warriors were repelled with an estimated 3000 warriors killed. The blood of casualties flowed into Ncome River turning …

The Battle of Blood River

This day in history

… in KwaZulu Natal. The Battle of Blood River was between the Voortrekkers under the leadership of Andries Pretorius and the Zulu's under the leadership of Dingane the Zulu King. About 10 000-20 000 Zulu warriors led by Dingane's generals Dambuza (Nzobo) and Ndlela kaSompisi attacked the Voortrekkers, but the 470 …

Nhlangakazi, the Holy Mountain of the Shembe

… day barefoot walk from the headquarters of the Nazareth Baptist Church, or Shembe . Shembe is staunchly a traditionalist Zulu cult that was founded in 1913 by Isaiah Shembe after a vision. Their beliefs are a mix of Old and New Testament and the ancestral veneration of traditional Zulu culture. The Nazareth Baptist Church (Church of Shembe) has Millions of members, but the group is still a mystery to … in KwaZulu-Natal. Isaiah Shembe, was born in 1867 among the Sotho people of the Free State Province of South Africa, to a Zulu polygamous father Mayekisa, and Sitheya Mlindi. 'Makeyisa' was a landless Farm dweller in Harrismith. As legend has it, …

The Battle of Gingindlovu

This day in history

… The Anglo-Zulu War Battle of Gingindlovu took place on 2 February 1879. It occured shortly after the Battle of Kambula and Rorkes … army was defeated and his military kraal destroyed by British troops. In this battle British troops were supported by 2800 Zulu troops. This battle was crucial for the British because victory would give them the opportunity to relieve the small town of Eshowe close to the Zulu capital Ulundi and guarantee victory against the Zulu kingdom. Defeat in this battle angered King Cetshwayo because it …

Role of Black people in the South African War

… mans' war, fought to determine which white authority had real power in South Africa but other populations groups like the Zulu, Xhosa, Swazis and Basotho and Sothos were also involved in the war. Although there was an unwritten agreement between … enrolled as special constables in Hershel to discourage incursions into the area by Free State commandos. In Natal, the Zulu Native Police were armed with rifles and a number of them were mounted. However, after the war, Blacks who had served as …

Black ViewPoint - Kwa-Zulu Development by Chief M.G. Buthelezi

… for a living. It was suggested that I should in my short talk deal with ‘The Current Economic Situation and it Affects the Zulu Homeland’. I must say that with all due respect for this suggestion, I am no economist. I will, however, do my best to … to consider Natal as their country: They are here as immigrants on sufferance, and not as citizens'. This was after the Zulu War, when even Zulu territory north of the Thukela was fragmented deliberately in order 'to break the Zulu power once and for all', in the …

African Traditional Religion

… of them were Bantu -speaking people and were the ancestors of many South Africans, especially the Nguni groups like the Zulu and Xhosa. Traditional African religion and culture is passed on from parents to children through stories. Source: … traditional African religions. This person is essential in the spiritual and religious survival of the community. In the Zulu culture there are mystics or sangomas that are responsible for healing and 'divining' - a kind of fortune telling and …

How do we find out about the history of a local area?

… teaches people about politics and values. Gcina comes from a mixed family and was born in KwaZulu Natal. Her father was Zulu and her mother Xhosa. This means that she grew up with two cultures. When she was 17 years old she met an imbongi, or … her stories and even appears on South African children’s television sometimes. She tells her stories either in English, Zulu or Xhosa, so more people can understand her. Gcina lives in Johannesburg and used to be a journalist, but also acted on …

The African Students Association (ASA)

… of the Battle of Blood River of 1838. This historic event took place near the Ncome River in KwaZulu Natal, between the Zulu's and the Voortrekkers. About 10 000-20 000 Zulu warriors led by Dingane's generals Dambuza (Nzobo) and Ndlela kaSompisi attacked the Voortrekkers, but the 470 …

The Union of South Africa 1910

… imposed on blacks in Natal. After Dinizulu was deposed by the Natal government, the traditional way of life of the Zulu people came under renewed pressure, as the colonial administration continued with its policy of subjecting pre-colonial … of Natal sent an armed force to arrest him. Bambatha fled to the Mpanza valley with his family and was given refuge by the Zulu king Dinizulu. On 14 April 1906, the Natal Government offered a reward of £500 for the capture of Bambatha. On his … government. Government measures to suppress this rebellion by Bambatha only served to garner him more support among the Zulu people, and many chieftaincies joined up with him. On 5 May 1906, Bambata’s forces engaged a colonial force dispatched …