Anglo-Zulu War: What do they think of the British now?

Today I am joined by the brilliant tour guide Lindizwe Ngobese to discuss the Zulu perspective on the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.
We look at how the Zulu war is remembered in Zululand and also if the Zulus saluted the defenders of Rorke's Drift as shown in the film Zulu.
You can sign up for tickets over at www.clashofemp...
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[@thobekabella8831]

That's my uncle 😊 so proud of you mqungebe ❤ also this is very beautiful and educational thank you for sharing

[@redcoathistory]

Congrats on being from such a noble and important family. Your uncle is representing the family and the Zulu people wonderfully in London.

[@UkrainianPaulie]

Thanks to you and your Uncle. This American has much admiration and respect for the Zulu people!

[@Hardrada88]

He's a true warrior and a very noble family. I love the history of the zulu people and really admire their fighting style. True, real warriors:) much love from a sunny hot England

[@Jenks1]

I found it quite moving how much pride he had for the warriors in his family.

[@redcoathistory]

Yes me too. A great guy.

[@Clipgatherer]

+Jenks1. Just like many Brits must be proud of their grandfather who fought off a foreign power that wanted to conquer their land and rule over them.

[@jimhicksuk]

I had a nice chat with him at the exhibition. A very genuine honest person.

[@stephenhunt2806]

I did too. We had an enjoyable chat about the videos on his channel. In particular, his visit to the Rand Club in Jo'burg.

[@gunnargundersen3787]

I visited Rourkes Drift and picked up a Zulu shield. Hopefully I helped the Zulu I bought it from and as a former British soldier I always respected the Zulu people.

[@janlindtner305]

Lindizwe Ngobese your view on the enmity, of our day is perceived, does you great credit. I want to perceive my country (Denmark's) former enemies Sweden, Great Britain and Germany with respect and friendliness, only then can we heal the wounds and avoid new bitter hatred, war and suffering which can then repeat itself until everything is destroyed. Looking forward to hearing/seeing more from you👍❤

[@ak9989]

I introduced the Zulu and the war to my youngest and he watched Zulu and Zulu dawn and now is reading some books I have on the war. He's a marine rifleman. I bought him an 1870s Assegai and Knoberrie too. Now he wants the Zulu war medals I have😆 Those I promised to my oldest😆 guess I'll buy some more. I got 122 now Victorian campaign medals. As an American I really appreciate the history behind them. I found an Afghan 1880 war medal in Grass Valley 2 weeks ago for just $120 with Khandahar on it. Grass valley!!

[@redcoathistory]

Brilliant. Glad to know we are spreading our interests to the next generation.

[@petercollingwood522]

Where is Grass Valley?

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

Wonderful Lindizwe and Chris

[@macdansav1546]

Fascinating post. Many thanks. So interesting to hear the Zulu perspective and good to hear that there is no bitterness nowadays: the Zulu nation suffered terribly as a result of the war. I imagine Lindizwe would be a fantastic guide!

[@markkeohane9850]

Hi Chris. We met today when I visited the exhibition. I didn't expect to meet you but I'm delighted we had a chance to chat - and thanks for alerting me to the exhibition in this video. I've enjoyed a number of your battlefield reports in the past; S Africa has a fascinating history and a special place in my life having spent a bit of time there and visited the battlefields myself. Anyone reading this, if you can get along during July please do; it's a remarkable display of one man's personal collection - the equally remarkable and ebullient Alex Haimann. And he's American! Thanks Alex, for sharing your passion and your incredible collection. Best wishes for a successful month.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks mate - I’m glad we got to meet and happy you enjoyed the exhibition.

[@outpostraven]

Great interview

[@ljchampion7952]

Brilliant stuff!

[@headshot6959]

Interesting guy, great storyteller. Thumbs up 👍

[@theblackprince1346]

A very insightful interview Chris thanks for sharing.

[@theram4320]

Nicely put together video. Both sides displayed wonderful bravery in the Rourke's drift battle, but I have to say, fighting with mainly assegis and shields against single shot rifles is incredible.

[@wingcommanderdaltonwalton67]

Genuine proud man,everyone has a right to be proof their heritage.

[@WNH3]

What an interesting exhibition! Alas, I'm on the wrong side of the Atlantic. Thanks for these videos, though, as that's the next best thing to attending in person.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks. Sorry you can’t make it but I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@andyeveritt9003]

great video and what a great proud fellow Lindizwe is

[@longkeithdiablo8812]

That was an interesting insight, especially the spear named after the sound it makes as it's pulled out 😱😎

[@UkrainianPaulie]

Thank you Chris and Lindizwe for giving us some insight into the Zulu take on the battles and films. It was a shame Zulu Dawn was not filmed at Isandlwana. But I guess with the monuments and cairns that it would impact filming angles. I read where the shadows from Isandlawana was the reason for moving filming.

[@ozwrangler.c]

Recommend a visit to the exhibition. A guide adds an extra dimension to the story. It’s free to attend, though I made a donation because our guide was so interesting 🙂

[@jimhicksuk]

The way he gives a two sided view in Zulu Rising is excellent. I’d like to hear more about the 2000 archeological dig Ian K was invited to view.

[@Mozartandpink]

Very moving and appropriate to hear the Zulu perspective, a proud and noble people.

[@peterrooke5336]

You obviously didn't see all the looting in natal last year

[@brettmitchell6431]

Lol the noble savage. Get real mate.

[@pamelaayieta6071]

​@@peterrooke5336who were stealing,do are this gangsters or warriors?

[@FMCH6444]

What a great interview. Thanks for making this.

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@adventuresinhistoryland5501]

Always great to heat this side of the war

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Josh. Yes it’s fascinating.

[@saxonstacker1078]

It's such a captivating story. It would be sad if it was all forgotten.

[@michaelreed4744]

Hello. I saw in a documentary that the Zulus took drugs before the Battle of Isandlwana. Do you agree with this theory?

[@garycooper3487]

He's right to be proud of his ancestors, the Zulus fought bravely for their homeland. It's a pity I won't be able to go to this exhibit, it's just my thing, but these vids are the next best thing. Looking forward to seeing and hearing more.

[@WoollyWanderers]

It wasn't their homeland, the Zulus were a Bantu tribe from west Africa who had spent the past two generations invading, massacring and enslaving their neighbours. They were an empire who were defeated by a bigger, meaner empire.

[@martingame3726]

Hi Chris, great to see you today at the Clash of Empires event. Brilliant show. Great to see Chris "The History Chap" with you as well. The two of you are really helping me understand my history much better than just reading about it. Keep it up, you are doing a great job. Martin

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks Martin - great to meet! What a wonderful event

[@iainsanders4775]

There's Zulu testimony of several warriors at a time being unable to overcome redcoats armed with empty bayonetted rifles in hand-to-hand fighting at Isandlwana & resorting to throwing their spears or shooting.

[@mariadacre9647]

A brilliant channel.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot

[@pamelaayieta6071]

Nice narration brother.

[@charlietreston4035]

A guy who seems to have the right attitude yes proud but able to reconcile with the past

[@KillerBill1953]

Didn't the Zulus also wage war and commit genocide on other tribes of Central Africa?

[@davidroux7987]

Indeed. Shaka murdered millions bravely. Heroes

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

They were no saints. They also had their own men fight to the death for sports. History now though

[@Kabzzer]

I dont think in Central Africa but in South East yes they did

[@johnmacpherson9629]

Correct

[@pamelaayieta6071]

​@@Ukraineaissance2014If they came to fight the Kenyan maasais,they could find their match, maasais kill the lions before anyone is confirmed a warrior,let them just brag for those south African tribes, maasais are nilotes and they know how to destroy everything when fighting.They live near parks and kill lions.zulus never got their match.

[@charlesbleile5282]

Many thanks to Lindizwe Ngobese for his perspective on the AZW and the films. He is so correct. In my case, had I not seen the films, I would have never traveled to the battlefields where I learned so much more.

[@Hardrada88]

Fascinating and very informative! Ive been to isandlwana a few times. First was to see the field and other times were to visit friends id made before and go back. I really like the zulu people, incredible history and i admire the warriors fighting style. Very brave and strong. Loved walking the field. I got a nice Iwisa/knopkerrie to walk the field with as around the river its rather rockey..what better way to walk sacred ground:) excellent video! Love from sunny hot england

[@JohnR1298]

I didn't know about the later civil war, that's very sad. A very interesting video, thank you 👍

[@pencilpauli9442]

Must have been 6-7yo when I saw Zulu at the cinema. I was scared by the Zulus and their spears, but it was very moving after the battle with all the dead and wounded warriors. Even though I was glad the Redcoats had wone the day was saddened by the carnage. Then when the Zulus sang I thought the Zulus to be a wonderfully noble people. Pity it didn't happen! lol Now I am much older and hopefully a little bit wiser, I can understand how the empire wasn't so glorious. Colonialism bad! Sadly my knowledge of the aftermath of the Anglo-Zulu war is all too lacking. Needs to be remedied.

[@MichaelSaunders-y2m]

Reparations?

[@granthallam7644]

My Grandfather a white man from Pietermaritzburg a Captain merchant seaman had nothing but the deepest respect for the Zulu nation and often said they were the bravest and most honourable of men. I have no reason to doubt him he was the most honorable man I have known. I miss him dearly.

[@thurin84]

very interesting to get the zulu perspective. i really do wish i could afford to go and walk those battlefields.

[@mediapartners9950]

Great post many thanks

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot

[@Johann559]

Very well done, bru....keep our flag flying there.

[@sthembilehadebe9304]

Am very proud of you bhuti Dalton, keep up your good work 👏 .

[@drea7295]

I love the sound effect .I have eaten,,fearce,,,,thanks awesome video

[@DavidInWroclaw]

Thank you, for this well-done video and for introducing Lindizwe Ngobese. One question: from point 04:04 to 04:20, there is a flim clip. What is the name of the film? Many thanks!

[@trisgilmour]

Very cool 😎

[@TheGroundedAviator]

To be fair the Zulu Empire was no less brutal at times, then name one that wasn't?

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

He talks so fast amd his thick accent was hard for me to catch everything, but yoi can definitely see his emotions on his face.

[@skepticalbadger]

If you're American you may struggle more. I have zero regional English accent and sometimes Americans don't catch every word. Here, you can turn on the captions. They are pretty accurate.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

@@skepticalbadger yes I'm American, southern, I never thought about the captions. Thank you for reminding me.

[@christopher-ke9nj]

An Iklwa as they put it

[@jimohara]

👍

[@phillawrence5148]

Chelmsford got so many brave men killed on both sides. He wasn't adequately punished for his crimes either.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

Which generals ARE?

[@copferthat]

Zulu Dawn was by far the better film.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

It was not. Zulu is a better made film, and no less accurate.

[@copferthat]

@@lyndoncmp5751 Accurate? It couldn’t even boast an English regiment, which it was and no, they didn’t sing men of Harlech. Hook was no malingerer, he was a model soldier and no, the Zulus did not salute them

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@copferthat I know. You're right. Now do you want me to tell you all the inaccuracies in Zulu Dawn?

[@copferthat]

@@lyndoncmp5751 Yes please

[@lyndoncmp5751]

@@copferthat Well for a start Chelmsford never even met Durnford after the invasion began so it's totally inaccurate in Zulu Dawn that Durnford rode into Isandlwana during the night and conferred with Chelmsford. It's also inaccurate that Durnford had superior intelligence. It's inaccurate that Durnford told Pulleine to picket the hills because that had already been done over the previous days. It's inaccurate that Chelmsford went out to look for Zulus on a whim (he was requested to help by the cut off recon patrol, which the film shows nothing of). It's inaccurate that the quartermaster wouldn't hand out ammunition. It's inaccurate that the rocket battery was firing just in front of the camp (Durnford ordered them miles out). It's inaccurate the way the 24th Foot firing line is shown (they were not shoulder to shoulder in two rows) . It's inaccurate the way the firing line is shown being quickly overrun and defeated (the 24th Foot largely withdrew to the camp and Saddle in reasonably intact formations where they made last stands in large groups and clusters, up to 50, 60 and 70 men and took a long time to be overcome). Finally, the whole back story of the Zulus chasing the old Boer to the camp, allowing themselves to be captured and then escaping is a complete invention.

[@johnp7304]

He should be proud, they fought a monster and won.

[@johnmacpherson9629]

What monster,where did you get that from Britain Won Anglo/Zulu War. Respect to the Zulu though.

[@pamelaayieta6071]

They fought well but they didn't win.

[@robertthomas3777]

‘… keep,the story alive…’. Thanks. Yes, you should be proud. 🇦🇺🦘👍

[@gerryhasell7828]

Looking forward to visiting on Saturday, what a friendly down to earth guy, great to hear a different perspective. Fascinating.

[@adamp5879]

Have my tickets to the clash of empires, July 29th. Very much looking forward too it.

[@rayh7264]

Great idea getting this perspective. I’ll be visiting from Brisbane in January going to Rorkes Drift, Isandlwana, Fugitives Drift, Blood River, Kambula. Fort Denison maybe and maybe Piet Retiefs gravesite and Dingaans Kraal. All being well. Thanks for your hard work Christian.

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot - I hope you have a fanatastic trip.

[@howardgoy9568]

I have a great admiration for the Zulus as people and warriors. They were fighting in defence of their homes, families, and way of life against an unjustified invasion intended to advance the career of Sir Bartle Frere, whose ambition caused the death of so many brave men on both sides. Great to hear something of their story from a man who so obviously cherishes his heritage.

[@lyndoncmp5751]

And the 1879 Anglo Zulu War made their name and defined them. They've rightly been dining out on it ever since, which has been a great plus for a warrior nation.

[@EdwardNortonSSS]

And totally didn't genocide and massacre other tribes and even enslave them, yeah totally the good guys, lets be real here, the British saved other tribes.

[@davidnemoseck9007]

Wow. Great interview! Loved it!

[@julianmhall]

TBH I think the initial Zulu perspective and attitude to the invading British would have been '... *bleep* off.. this is /our/ country not yours..'

[@julianmhall]

@robertstallard7836 True.. but they had conquered it from /other native tribes/ not a foreign invader. As for the Africans who fought for England there have been many instances in history of countries fighting on the same side as an invader, not always choosing the eventually winning side.

[@peetsnort]

Where did the zulus get steel from

[@damilolataiwo7750]

Iron smelting machines already existed in africa from 1000 bc

[@peetsnort]

@@damilolataiwo7750 naah. They stole it from the railways like the copper theft today

[@damilolataiwo7750]

@@peetsnort nope there were no railways in South African then because they had not be colonised yet . It is a historical fact that Africans were already smelting iron already . You even had reserch from Cambridge university David killlic that proves so .

[@peetsnort]

@@damilolataiwo7750 I'm just puling your leg.

[@peetsnort]

@@damilolataiwo7750 they probably had very iron rich rocks around a fire and the metal came out and the rests history. I remember how nylon was invented by mistake by a scientist who was tired and left two chemicals over night. Also the vulcanizing of rubber It pays to experiment

[@christopher-ke9nj]

Kwa Jimu is not, anywhere near, the actual site why should they, appear but just to, rest, they haven't eaten Chelmfords relief is coming what a, scrap though.

[@redcoathistory]

Hi, I’m not sure I understand what you are saying. Kwa Jimu is not near what?

[@christopher-ke9nj]

Jim's place in Zulu

[@billballbuster7186]

The British produced movie Zulu was a smash hit, one of the biggest box office hits of all time! A story of 130 British troops against 4,000 Zulu, a battle of overwhelming odds. it has been a firm favorite since its release in 1964. The American movie Zulu Dawn made to tell the Zulu side of the story, with an all-star cast was released in 1979. It is a far less accurate account of the events and its portrayal of the Zulu was particularly poor. But then 25,000+ Zulus defeating 750 British regulars and a few hundred Colonial troops was something of a forgone conclusion. It was a box office disaster and is rarely shown. The Zulu historian is correct in that the movies only serve to keep the story alive.

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

I actually still quite like zulu dawn, its not as bad as some people make out, and i love any half decent depiction i can get of that era

[@billballbuster7186]

@@Ukraineaissance2014 A few people do, but it was so bad it was a box office disaster. Charlton Heston had to be payed out of the producers own pocket. It was an early attempt at Wokeness, aggrandizing the Zulu that failed.

[@MisterLouis66]

Personally I prefer the movie "Zulu" but I don't see how you manage to make a connection with woke. You don't seem to realize that this is one of the greatest victory of an indigenous army against a technologically developed army if not the greatest. Of course it deserves a movie

[@billballbuster7186]

@@MisterLouis66 You describe the battle "one of the greatest victory of an indigenous army against a technologically developed army". Thats a really grandiose description of a relatively minor skirmish at odds of 25:1. It was not an army it was the baggage train of an army. The real army destroyed the Zulu nation in 6 months.

[@MisterLouis66]

@@billballbuster7186 consider it a skirmish if you wish, but that doesn't change the fact that it's one of the best indigenous performances in this kind of battle. And Zulu nation still exists (1/5 of the population)