KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Senzo Mchunu has called on the people of KZN to unite tomorrow and commemorate the Prisoners of War on St Helena. A multicultural event has been scheduled to take place at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg.
“As we reflect on the road that has been travelled over the years to be where we are today, we are reminded that at one stage, Natal as it was then known, played-host to many battles, conflicts and confrontations in South Africa. These resulted in many of our heroes exiled in St Helena Island.”
“The French emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte I spent six years in exile on St Helena Island from 1815 -1821 under stringent British supervision following his defeat at Waterloo.
Importantly, 61 years later Zulu King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo, nephew to King Shaka was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment on St Helena Island. The King had dared defy the British who had not recognized him as the rightful heir to the throne of the Zulu nation.”
“Three years after King Dinuzulu left St Helena, more than 5000 Boer War prisoners were also exiled in St Helena for having participated in a war against the British.”
“Ten years after King Dinuzulu returned home to a Zululand which had been annexed to Natal, he led the defiance to the poll tax imposed by the British to pay for the needs of the developing territory. The King was accused of high treason and was moved to a farm in Middleburg. About 25 Zulu rebel chiefs were exiled to St Helena for their participation against poll tax.”
“These are the heroes who yearned for independence, political self-determination and the protection of their culture and languages. Now that we have achieved democracy and freedom, we must all come together and remember these heroes.”
Media and members of the public are invited to attend the event scheduled as follows:
Multicultural Parade starting from City Hall at 9h00
Time: 10h00
Venue: Woodburn Stadium, Pietermaritzburg
Date: 3 April 2014
Media RSVP:
Regi Khumal
0797516108
Enquiries:
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
Cell: 082 375 4742
E-mail: ndabezinhlesibiya@yahoo.com
