Defense of Rorke's Drift and a very special community enterprise

Magnus takes up the story of the Cadets last day in South Africa ... 

It was the final day, both for us and those involved in the battles of Isandlwana (& Rorke's Drift). 

Rorke’s Drift is the location in Natal that the British Army were using as a permanent base and so the first to be attacked after the defeat at Isadlwana. Reggie immediately transported us back to the night of January 1879 and around us buildings that were since erected dissolved leaving only the buildings defended by the British and the history in their foundations. 

Even the two buildings on which we focused showed us the true nature of South Africa. In the past it has been inhabited by Dutch and Germans, both of whom formed amicable relations with the Zulu tribes before the site was commandeered by the British. This is typical throughout what we have seen of the country as not one but many differing peoples have shaped its history. 

Rorke's Drift today

During the next hour or so we followed Reggie around the site as battle cries filled the air and the ground became soaked with blood while the 110 remaining, isolated soldiers fought for their lives. He described the noise and fever of battle as each room fell to the advancing Zulus. 

Rorke's Drift - the battle scene


Eleven Victoria Crosses were won that night while only a handful of British deaths and we heard each story. The battle was won and we were awestruck with the events. The ramifications of the battle stretched further still, it strengthened the resolve of the British invasion of Zululand, but more significantly, the different groups in the local community have come together to commemorate their shared past.

Memorial at Rorke's Drift

Memorial at Isandlwana - scene of great Zulu victory

A very special community enterprise ... and a chance to pick up some shopping and souvenirs!

The Cadets visited a small farm where the owners had set up a business which allows many local men and especially Zulu women the chance to earn an income making bead and wire crafts: necklaces, bowls etc. 

"We were amazed by the many different designs which brought traditional skills and patterns to the modern market with the products being shipped as far as China and the USA.

The enterprise allows families to work when they can, balancing production with other commitments within the community. The owners have worked hard, the business taking time and money to set up, and the workers sometimes vanish for weeks at a time, but their work has greatly benefitted the area." - Magnus

In contrast the Cadets then visited the "sprawling urban scene" of Dundee, where the shops ranged from Chinese markets to salons to a Spar, where everything from chocolate to knives could be bought provided you are able to cross the hectic highways. 

Final campfire and 'braai' as the Cadets bid 'Hamba Kahle' to Africa!

Back at camp the Cadets enjoyed a final evening feasting on 'braai' around the campfire before a round of of fireball hockey. 

"The eventful game concluded (once the fires were extinguished) a brilliant final day to what has been an incredible and thought-provoking trip." - Magnus