The official start of the King Cetshwayo Memorial Tour took place today at Port Dunford in Esikhaleni. As the King Cetshwayo Council reflects on the Battle of Sandlwana and the history of iSilo sasoNdini. Today, the council embarked on a journey to explore the District’s heritage sites, significant landmarks in the legacy of King Cetshwayo.
Their first destination was Port Dunford within the King’s domain, where King Cetshwayo, son of Mpande, reluctantly boarded the ship named “Natal” on September 4, 1879, as a prisoner. Historical records show that the King was banished to Cape Town based in terms of the Ulundi Treaty dated September 1, 1879. This Treaty marked the conclusion of the Anglo Zulu war, initiating a challenging period for the Kingdom of KwaZulu.
The site, marked by a Cain, symbolizes the point where King Cetshwayo ka Mpande was taken aboard the ship “Natal” on September 4, 1879. His exile to the Cape Town Castle, as stipulated in the Ulundi Treaty on September 1, 1879, signified the end of the Anglo-Zulu War and the beginning of a tragic and bitter era for the Zulu Kingdom.
A considerable number of counselors from King Cetshwayo District Municipality and Umhlathuze Municipality have gathered to participate in a tour for both enjoyment and education about King Cetshwayo’s journey. The Council of King Cetshwayo District Municipality officially commenced the Memorial Tour today.
Organized by the King Cetshwayo District Municipality, the Memorial Tour includes a commemorative lecture with the goal of showcasing historical sites and attractions associated with King Cetshwayo. The memorial activities commence at Port Dunford, eSikhaleni Se Nkosi, where King Cetshwayo boarded the ship during his exile by the British and upon his return from exile.
Honorable Mayor Thami Ntuli of the King Cetshwayo District emphasized in an interview the pivotal role our history plays in attracting tourists and fostering economic growth within the district.
The tour will culminate in Nkandla tomorrow, with the commemoration of King Cetshwayo and the Battle of Isandlwana taking place at the Nkandla Municipal Sports Field at 10:00.
