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Unveiling of e-Gazini "Battle of Grahamstown" Heritage memorial
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Speeches and Media Releases
 Sports, Arts Culture

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MEDIA RELEASE
 FOR IMMEDIATE USE
 20 FEBRUARY 2001

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 marginalized 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 Department of Sport, Recreation, Art and Culture
 Communications Officer Masiza Mazizi  040  6095870 / 082 378 7847,Fax:040  6350 603

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