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Discussions related to the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879
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Alan
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Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1530
Location: Wales
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I feel I must declare that there is no one in an official capacity who has called the project a 'theme park'.
It was probably me but I still contest that the end result would have as much dignity as a 'theme park',
if it proceeds as outlined.

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The Scorer


Joined: 27 Nov 2006
Posts: 338
Location: Newport
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I don't know what to say about this, to be honest.

I haven't looked at the plans and other details, but from what has been said on here, it doesn't sound very good. However, I would ask what can be done by this Forum (collectively or individually) to prevent it happening or amend the plans to make them "acceptable"?

The point has been made elsewhere that it's a very sensitive area, and "foreigners" can't be seen to be telling the Zulus what to do on their own ground, so what options are available?

I don't want to appear to be negative, but I'm confused about what can be done.
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Alan
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Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1530
Location: Wales
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I'm afraid it may be a foregone conclusion. All the planning slipped my notice about a year ago.
When dealing with South African politics, you need to tread carefully.

As to 'foreigners' having a say, it's more a case of respect for both parties. The rights and wrong
of the war can be argued and the British don't come out with right all on their side. However, the
individuals who took part, were human beings who were doing their duty as required at the time.

Just viewing the Zulus as the goodies and British as the baddies to be ignored or disrespected
cannot be justified.

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Politics around Isandlwana
Paul Lamberth


Joined: 03 Sep 2005
Posts: 37
Location: Rorke's Drift KZN South Africa
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Alan
I find your comments regarding recent political rhetoric interesting and may or may not be a factor.
I would like to add to your thinking by reminding ourselves of the �Zulu civil war 1882-1884� .Thanks to Wolseley (Parliamentary papers, Cambell collection, and the media) the �Hlubi- Molefe� factor still pops up especially when the �King� is involved or has something to say. As you are aware both Rorke�s Drift and Isandlwana were part of the �Usutus� turf and serious battles were fought to defend it. It is my opinion, still today,that half of the populous in the area (ears on the ground) is loyal to the Hlubi and can or will be a factor. (hence local InDuna��not on my watch�).
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Paul Bryant-Quinn


Joined: 14 Oct 2007
Posts: 551
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Like everyone on this thread, I view this 'heritage' development with concern. Has there been any response from history / archaeology departments in South African universities?
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John Young


Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1020
Location: Lower Sheering, Essex
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Paul,

To my knowledge there has been no such involvement.

AMAFA/Heritage KwaZulu Natal are the body responsible for the delineated battlefield site, but the purposed construction is outside of that.

Regards,

John
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Paul Bryant-Quinn


Joined: 14 Oct 2007
Posts: 551
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Thanks, John: it doesn't sound very hopeful.

Regards,

Paul
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Alan
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Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1530
Location: Wales
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John,

isn't the visitor centre planned to be on the site of the main force hesitating before the induna who urged
them on was killed, and significantly 'buried'?

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John Young


Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1020
Location: Lower Sheering, Essex
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Alan,

It is indeed where that pivotal moment of the battle took place.

A Zulu friend of mine contacted me over the weekend and expressed his disgust over that very matter.

John Y.
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dwh999


Joined: 28 Jul 2017
Posts: 3
Location: Brecon
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but wasn't there a previous memorial/visitor centre on the site ( about where the car park is now?) erected about 1929 iirc and clearly failed to draw visitors and has now disappeared.
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John Young


Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1020
Location: Lower Sheering, Essex
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dwh999,

There were certainly buildings in the location of the current car park, as I recall one was a store with a Cola advertisement painted on the side wall.

There was a small interpretation site on Black's Koppie, with a model of the battlefield and details of the participating units, as I recall that was removed in the mid-1990's.

John
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Alan
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Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1530
Location: Wales
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John,
I recall a photo of the centre. Do you not have a pic?

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John Young


Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1020
Location: Lower Sheering, Essex
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Alan,

In that pre-digital age, I used cheap and cheerful photographs very few of which I can lay my hands on now.

If anything I would have filmed the area on a camcorder, which I have not transferred to disc.

John
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dwh999


Joined: 28 Jul 2017
Posts: 3
Location: Brecon
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there is a copy in the AZW collection at the Regimental Museum of the official opening which is where I saw it
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Alan
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Joined: 30 Aug 2005
Posts: 1530
Location: Wales
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John,
if I've seen it, it would probably have been in a book. Someone must recall it.

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Politics around Isandlwana
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