Zulu Dance Festival Commemorates Battle.
The battle on Dec 16, 1838 saw 464 Vootrekkers (Afritaner Pioneers) defeat more than 10,000
Zulu worriors -- probably due to more advanced weapponry. The Zulu fought with shiekds and
assegaais (zulu spears) The Vootrekkers fought with Muzzle-laorders, flintlock muskets and
cannons. It was a day of victory for the Vootrekkers; other days and other battles had favoured the Zulu in the ceasseless struggle for land that defined early South Africa.
It is said that the Nicome River ran red with blood, the battle that took place was called "The Battle of Blood River". The annual dance festival held at the battle site on Dec 16 is attended by over 4,000 people. Touristsnfrom across the globe, joined latter-day Voortrekkers ans Zulu dressed in full battle regalia for the day of commenoration and dance.
By Annalene Rautenbach
