History buffs will know that KwaZulu-Natal’s Battlefield Route is a popular tourist attraction and the resting place of many a British, Boer and Zulu soldier. But if you thought battle re-enactments were only big in the USA, think again.
The Second Boer War (or Anglo Boer War to South Africans) was fought from October 1899 to May 1902 between the British Empire and the Afrikaans-speaking Dutch settlers of two independent Boer republics. Many of the men that set foot on these famous battlefields went on to become great leaders, like former soldier and newspaper correspondent, Winston Churchill, a stretcher-bearer named Mahatma Gandhi and famous military strategist, General Louis Botha (check out what to expect in the battlefield route).
Talana Live: The Battle of Talana Hill
The war saw many famous battles but as a complete history aficionado it was the first major clash, the Battle of Talana Hill that recently caught my attention. This October marks its 114th anniversary and from 18 to 22 October the Talana Museum in Dundee will be hosting a commemorative weekend, aptly named Talana Live in remembrance of the epic Battle of Talana. Those with a penchant for all things historical will be thrilled with the weekend’s line-up.
To kick things off Friday night’s activities include a “night at the museum” where guests can meet the local ghosts and experience the museum come to life after closing time. Too creepy for you? Passionate tour guide Paul Garner will be giving a talk about how the bushmen named the stars as a less scary but equally interesting option.
Battle re-enactment.
Photo: www.battlefieldsroute.co.za
Saturday’s events get going at 10am with a Caledonian Pipe band leading a parade through town. Guests can enjoy traditional games and open-air chess or peruse the heritage craft stalls and take a breather at the food court. The ‘Dundee Stall’ will have Dundee memorabilia and Dundee foods for sale so locals can eat their hearts out, so to speak.
The full-day programme of historical and heritage demonstrations include historical talks, military encampments, military and historic memorabilia on sale and the main highlight, the Battle of Talana re-enactment at 2pm sharp by the The Dundee Diehard re-enactment team. Formed in Dundee in South Africa at the time of the centenary of the Anglo-Boer war, these guys go all out. It goes without saying that facing up against an invisible army is not very believable for spectators so the team enlists excited Boer Commandos and enthusiastic Zulu Impis for the day!
Here’s a little more about the “almost legendary” Dundee Diehards:
For those who prefer something a little less violent, there will be a fashion show and glass blower to keep you entertained while petrol heads can enjoy the vintage and veteran cars and motor cycles on show. There will also be live art exhibitions so if you’ve always wanted that family portrait, this could be your chance to have it painted.
The day ends off with a sunset parade and Rorkes’ Drift re-enactment in case you didn’t get enough of a fix earlier in the day. Once the sun goes down things promise to get wild as The Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters take to the stage to wow the crowd with their unique brand of tunes.
The Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters.
Photo: www.hairyleggedlentileaters.com
Described as the “most eclectic folk band this side of the Limpopo”, the Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters performed at music festival Splashy Fen earlier this year and have made an indelible mark on the local music scene, winning over audiences with their bizarre performances.
Sunday looks to be relatively more subdued than the rest of the weekend with an early morning talk on the Battle of Talana from a Boer perspective on top of Mpati Mountain starting at 5.15am, followed by a hearty breakfast. For those into dark tourism there will be a ghost walk at 5pm up Talana Hill where guests can experience the battle’s anniversary ghosts. Oooh, sounds eerie.
Whatever grabs you, there is bound to be something for just about everyone at Talana Live. Personally, I’m keen to see the Dundee Diehards in action!
Tickets are R100 for adults for the whole weekend and R25 for scholars. For more information about Talana Live contact Talana Museum on +27(0)34-212-2654
The KwaZulu Natal Battlefields route forms part of the Open Africa Nguni Route.
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