To commemorate the day in 1879 when the Zulus decisively defeated the British, thousands of Zulu men gathered at the historic site of Isandlwana on Saturday, January 21.
It is one of the biggest victories in Zulu history and the only conflict where the British army’s guns and cannons were destroyed by spears and oxhide shields.
King Misuzulu kaZwelithini also spoke at the occasion.
Zulu warrior, Muzi Nyandeni, said: “In fact we are here to celebrate the conquer of Zulu warriors, where Zulu conquered the white person.”
The Zulus were not professional soldiers, but under Shaka Zulu in the early 1800s had became very adept at war.
John Murphy his a Major in the Royal Welsh Army and took part in thee event.
“It’s important to commemorate the battle, because it’s such an important part of our history,” he said. “And it’s also important to both us and the Zulus and it’s commemorating fallen soldiers. Also reminds the soldiers that are serving now that it’s still important, that you are remembered for a long time. So it’s really important to commemorate this battle.”
During the re-enactment many Zulus sang songs and paraded with traditional animal skins, bone necklaces and spears.
Gavin Slater, team leader of The Dundee Diehards re-enactment team, said he recognises how significant the event was.
“In fact Isandlwana is one of the most probably humiliating defeats of the British army ever,” he said.
On 21 January 1879, around 20,000 Zulu warriors attacked the British garrison.
Despite the defenders having rifles, the attackers forced them into a bloody battle and then defeated the colonial soldiers.
Out of 1,700 men at the Isandlwala garrison on the morning of the battle about 1,300 doom lay dead.
Victory is one of the most important sources of pride for Zulus.