Page 15 - North Coast Visitor's Guide 2021-2022

North Coast Visitor’s Guide 2021 - 2022
North Coast Visitor’s Guide 2020 - 2021 1313

Fallen Zulu warriors, epic battles,
colonial settlers and indentured
labourers are just the beginning of the
North Coast’s tumultuous history.
Our people will forever honour the
legends that have made the

North Coast the cultural haven it
is today.

THE MIGHTY KING SHAKA of any battle in South Africa. The site of the on the North Coast was intertwined with the
King Shaka, one of the greatest military leaders, most brutal battle, eNdondakusuka, now exists struggle of the oppressed Zulu people. Together,
founded the town of KwaDukuza almost two peacefully on the banks of the Tugela River the Zulu and Indian population fought against
hundred years ago and became the well-respected beneath waving fi elds of sugarcane. the Apartheid Government.
ruler of the land. King Shaka’s military strategies
were far superior to others in pre-colonial Africa. THE ANGLO-ZULU WAR Gandhi showed his humility and bravery
One of his greatest triumphs, uniting the diverse King Cetshwayo won the battle and ruled over by providing medical assistance to Chief
Zulu nation, exhibits King Shaka’s outstanding skills. the Zulu people only to fi ght another war, this Bhambatha’s injured soldiers during the
King Shaka was killed by his brothers on time defending his people against the British Bhambatha Rebellion.
24 September 1828, now commemorated each settlers in 1879. Two battles of the Anglo-Zulu
year in KwaDukuza as ‘Shaka Day’. The King war were fought on the North Coast including CHIEF ALBERT LUTHULI
Shaka Vistors Centre in KwaDukuza, serves the battle of Gingindlovu on 2 April 1879, Chief Albert Luthuli was born in Groutville and
as a memorial and was erected on the site of when the British Army used machine guns for grew up on a mission station near KwaDukuza.
King Shaka’s grave in 1932. Beside the memorial is the the fi rst time in history. The British forces won He was given the title of Chief in 1935, succeeding
rock that is believed to be the one he sat on when he the war and took over the land for farming his late uncle. Luthuli became president of the
was assassinated. sugarcane. To work at the sugar fi elds Indian African National Congress in 1952 and drew on
people were brought in as indentured labourers. his Christian faith and his status as an African
THE WAR OF THE PRINCES chief, to oppose the unjust system of Apartheid
King Shaka’s death sparked a violent battle for MAHATMA GANDHI by identifying with and speaking on behalf of
the Zulu throne that lasted for several decades. Gandhi was instrumental in the struggle against South Africans. His heroism was recognized
The battle between King Shaka’s nephews plunged the Apartheid regime. Gandhi proclaimed that internationally when he became the fi rst African
the Zulu Kingdom into civil war that resulted in the destiny of the Indian community living Nobel Peace Prize winner in 1961.
the death of 6 000 warriors, the highest fatalities