The Ngobese clan from northern KwaZulu-Natal have called on their ancestors to intervene in the rise of gender-based violence (GBV) in the province.
The call was made on Monday 22 January during rituals performed at the Isandlwana battlefields to mark 145 years since the great-grandfather of the clan, Inkosi Mehlokazulu kaSihayo, led King Cetshwayo’s regiments to fight British troops who invaded Zulu territory in 1879.
The head of the Ngobese clan, Inkosi Thathezakhe Ngobese, prayed to the clan’s ancestors about the present challenges facing the community.
“We call upon you, great-grandfather, to look after us and give us the signal to teach our boys how to treat women. We have a challenge for the young men in our clan who need guidance to desist from gender-based violence,” he prayed.
The clan slaughtered three goats and burned impepho [incense] and dagga [cannabis] as a sign that they were communicating with their ancestors.
The official commemoration of the battle of Isandlwana takes place on 27 January and will be led by King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Pictured above: A scene of the battle of Isandlwana that “humbled the great white Queen [Victoria]” after the British were defeated by Zulu regiments.
Image source: Lincoln Centre
