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UNVEILING OF E-GAZINI "BATTLE OF GRAHAMSTOWN" HERITAGE MEMORIAL
The Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture will once more unveil a Heritage Memorial known as e-Gazini, "Battle of Grahamstown" at Fingo Vilage in Grahamstown on Saturday, 24 February 2001.
This is the 14th heritage site that has been unveiled by the Department for 2000/2001 financial year. Other heritage sites include Xhalanga Heritage Site, Barkely East Heritage Site, the Nompendulo Massacre Heritage Site, the reburial of Mr Balisanani Tom and Thobile Dyantyi in Lady Frere, to mention but a few. The Department gives a grant of R50 000 for each Heritage Site.
In April 1819, Xhosa warriors commanded by Nxele Makana were defeated in Grahamstown by British troops with artillery. The battle took place on 22 April 1819 when Xhosa warriors, over-confident because of their numerical superiority, forewarned Colonel Willshire that they would attack Grahamstown in reaction to continued invasion of Xhosa territory by British Colonial Authorities. However, the attack was repulse as the British managed to repel the main Xhosa assault with artillery and rifle fire. Xhosas had to retreat after suffering high casualty rate. Nxele was asked to surrender and was eventually imprisoned in Robben Island where he died trying to escape.
The department views its involvement in the projects of this nature as an opportunity to contribute to African Renaissance, in line with President Thabo Mbeki's vision thereby instilling an awareness of common heritage and nationhood. Moreover, this would help promote and invest in our culture diversity through heritage and nationhood, while at the same time build a strong sense of South African Unity. We provide recognition for neglected or marginalised aspects of our history, redress imbalances of the past in the portrayal of the history of the Province, and enhance the tourism attraction.
The unveiling of the site starts at 10h00 and will be officiated by Eastern Cape Premier Rev. Makhenkesi Stofile. MEC Nosimo Balindlela will give a brief overview of the project. Both Xhosa kings, King Maxhob' ayakhawuleza Sandile and King Xolilizwe Sigcau are expected to attend.
Issued by Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Eastern Cape
Contact: Masiza Mazizi at 040 - 609 5879/70, 082 378 7847
20 February 2001