By Amahle Cele and Sibongiseni Maphumulo
Traditional leaders, government officials and ordinary residents of Makhanda gathered at the eGazini Battlefield in kwaNdancama on Monday to commemorate thousands of amaXhosa soldiers killed during the Battle of Grahamstown in April 1819.
Marking 205 years since the battle took place, the event aimed to honor the memory of more than 10 000 Xhosa warriors who lost their lives in the prolonged conflict over the land now known as Makhanda.
Dubbed the Makana Freedom Festival, the event was a vibrant tapestry of tradition, remembrance, and celebration. As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the historic battlefield, people from all walks of life gathered to pay homage to the Xhosa soldiers who had bravely fought and fallen in the Battle of eGazini.
Makana mayor Yandiswa Vara stood at the forefront, welcoming guests with heartfelt words that acknowledged the importance of honouring the lives lost in the Battle of eGazini. The air was alive with anticipation as dignitaries and citizens alike gathered to pay homage to the invincible spirit of the Xhosa warriors who had fought and fallen on this hallowed soil.
Among the distinguished guests were Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) deputy minister Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, King Sandile of amaRharhabe, and Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture MEC Nonceba Khontsiwe.
Makana Municipality councillor Ramie Xonxa emphasised the significance of the commemoration as a reminder of the land dispossession faced by the Xhosa people during the 19th century. The event served as a platform for the younger generation to understand the historical context and the sacrifices made by their ancestors in resisting colonial forces.
The ceremony was held as a prelude to Freedom Day, celebrating 30 years of democracy and acknowledging the warriors who defended the land and heritage of South Africa. The commemoration also served to recognise the efforts of those who fought for the freedom that citizens enjoy today.
The eGazini site, declared a heritage site in Makhanda, is intrinsically linked to the region’s history and the struggle against colonialism. During the commemoration, a representative from the royal house of Amandlambe in the Rharhabe Kingdom paid homage to the gallant Matayas who fought tirelessly against colonial oppression.
As South Africans are set to head to the polls on 29 May, Burns-Ncamashe called attention to the importance of remembering that the land we live on today was fought for by brave individuals who sacrificed their lives for freedom. He underscored the need for young people to be aware of their history.
Burns-Ncamashe also addressed the controversial figure of Graham, who orchestrated the killing of Xhosa people, including the ill Nkosi Chungwa. This dark history led to the renaming of Grahamstown to Makhanda, as the former was deemed inappropriate due to its connection with colonial violence.
The eGazini commemoration event served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our ancestors in the pursuit of freedom and the importance of preserving our historical heritage for future generations.
The presence of learners from Nombulelo and Nathaniel Nyaluza senior secondary schools added a touching layer to the proceedings as they absorbed the important history lesson about the eGazini Battle.
Their choirs, representing the future generation, filled the air with melodies that resonated with the spirits of the fallen warriors. Each of the 250 learners received a pair of school shoes as a symbol of 205 years of Battlefield of eGazini.
Tukela Seyisi, a local youth and brand ambassador of Robert Island, stirred the hearts of the audience with his impassioned speech, reminding everyone of the true essence of the event a celebration of eGazini’s history, untouched by political agendas.
Amidst the ceremony, there was a symbolic act of slaughtering a cow on the battlefield.
A traditional leader from the Amandlambe Traditional Council who spoke to Grocott’s Mail made of the ritual’s significance, explaining that it served to wash away the blood of the 10 000 Xhosa warriors who perished in the battle against the British forces.
He emphasised the need to preserve the historical integrity of the occasion.
Furthermore, he voiced his concerns about the politicisation of the event, emphasizing that the Makana Freedom Festival was about celebrating the history of eGazini, not scoring political points. “We must not lose sight of why we are here,” he insisted, his gaze unwavering. “This is about honouring our ancestors and ensuring that their sacrifice is never forgotten.”
As the day progressed, local Imbongi Mandlenkosi Dyakala took centre stage, his powerful words echoing across the battlefield, stirring the hearts of all who listened.
And when Burns-Ncamashe addressed the crowd, his words carried a weight of hope and determination.
He spoke of the importance of passing down the stories of eGazini to future generations, ensuring that the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom would never be forgotten. With passion in his voice, he urged the people to remember the struggles of the past as they headed to the polls.
A wreath-laying ceremony served as a mournful reminder of the lives lost, marking the battlefield as a monumentary site of remembrance.
Xonxa lamented the neglect suffered by the battlefield, expressing hope for its restoration to a national heritage site.
King Sandile voiced his concerns about the state of the monumental site, prompting Vara to assure him of the municipality’s commitment to its restoration.
As the festival drew to a close, echoes of history intertwined with promises of preservation, ensuring that the legacy of eGazini Battlefield would endure for generations to come.
