ZULU MEETS ROYAL ON DREAM VISIT TO THE UK

A dream came true on a recent visit to Wales for Lindizwe (Dalton) Ngobese, the great-great grandson of Inkosi (Chief) Sihayo, a major player in the Anglo Zulu War of 1879, and the grandson of Mahlokazulu, Sihayo’s son, who led a number of companies of the iNgobamakhosi Regiment which formed part of the left horn of the Zulu Army that triumphed at Isandlwana on the 22nd of January 1879. Dalton is a battlefields guide at Isandlwana Lodge that overlooks Mt. Isandlwana and the entire plain where the battle took place.

Sally and John Bradley, a couple who visited Isandlwana Lodge several years ago learned that Dalton had always dreamed of going to the South Wales Borderer’s Museum (Now the Royal Welsh Museum) in Brecon, and that he had wanted to see some castles in Wales.  They arranged for his air ticket and Visa for a 5-day trip that concluded on the 29th of June, 2010.

While in Brecon, Dalton was hosted by Bill Cainan, a frequent visitor to Isandlwana Lodge and Martin Everett, Curator of the Brecon Museum. Bill was the perfect local host and tour guide for Dalton because of his vast knowledge of the history of the Anglo Zulu War and his association with the Brecon Museum as a volunteer and lecturer. He holds a degree medieval history and wrote historical pamphlets that are given to visitors in several castles in Wales.  Bill is also the former RSM of the Brigade Training Team based in Cardiff, so has numerous connections with the military in Wales.

Despite being told to bring jumpers and waterproof coats to cope with the British weather, Dalton’s visit was subject to constant sunshine with an average temperature around 25 degrees!  In fact at times it was warmer in Wales than it was in Zululand (though it was the latter’s winter!)

The highlight of the visit for Dalton was on Armed Forces Day in the UK that was hosted for 2010 in Cardiff.

The parade salute was taken by HRH Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales.  The Prince also opened the re-furbished military museum in Cardiff Castle – “Firing Line.” The Museum records all aspects relating to the Welsh soldier, including the involvement of the 24th Regiment in the Anglo Zulu War.

Staged to be a visual highlight for the Prince was Bill dressed as a Corporal of the 24th and Dalton as a warrior of the iNgobamakhosi Regiment.

Dalton was introduced to HRH Prince Charles who spoke to him about his great respect for the Zulu people and that he hoped there would be a new Zulu gathering soon that he could attend. He also mentioned his sadness over the death of David Rattray, a close personal friend.

Through the courtesy of Martin Everett, Dalton was also introduced to Councillor David Meredith the Mayor of Brecon who presented him with a tie and a map of Brecon (top centre).

On a lighter note, Dalton also visited a newly opened public house called the “Rorke’s Drift”, where he was an immense hit with the locals!

Back at the Museum, Mr. Everett presented Dalton with a copy of the Bancroft book on Rorke’s Drift Defenders and allowed Dalton to hold the real Victoria Cross presented posthumously to Lt. Melvill who, along with Lt.Coghill, lost his life trying to save the Queen’s Colour after the battle of Isandlwana.

Dalton also visited Brecon Cathedral where the Queen’s Colour from the Isandlwana battle now hangs.

The visit undoubtedly gave Dalton greater insight into the British background to the Anglo Zulu War – an insight that will no doubt be reflected in his battlefield talks for guests of Isandlwana Lodge.

Dalton came home to Zululand with a copy of the original last message to Lord Chelmsford (signed by Pulleine), and lots of t-shirts plus other treasured memorabilia.

Dalton said, “It was an unforgettable experience. I learned more information on the Anglo Zulu War and was able to compare the lifestyle differences of our country and Wales. The highlight of my trip was meeting HRH Prince Charles at Cardiff Castle. I am very grateful for the opportunity and all that was done for me.”