Durban -
If we were to make an effort to learn more about each other’s languages, cultures and origins, that would be a sign that we had truly reconciled as South Africans.
Those were the words of Dundee woman Elisabeth Durham, who attended the Day of Reconciliation commemoration at Blood River on Tuesday.
Wearing traditional Zulu attire on the day, Durham said she donned the colourful outfit every year “because it shows my spirit of real reconciliation, of a white female wearing a Zulu man’s traditional attire with some female elements, with the hat and the special belt that women wear”.
Durham, who also works as a tour guide, said her definition and understanding of reconciliation was wanting to know what was significant about other cultures, customs and values, showing genuine interest and trying to understand.
Although December 16 was meant to be about reconciliation, there were still two separate events at the Ncome River (Blood River) for Zulus and Afrikaners, who fought at the battle of Blood River in 1838.
The Zulus would dance, perform traditional songs and feast, while the Afrikaners across the river had a communal service, which they said was to honour a vow their forefathers made that every year on this day they would go to the battlefield to commemorate their victory in the battle.
Durham has, for the past 10 years, been going to both the Zulu and Afrikaner events.
“It’s a big shame that the Afrikaners celebrate on their own and, generally speaking, fear to go to the other side. I really wish for true reconciliation before I die,” she said.
On Tuesday, President Jacob Zuma encouraged Zulus and Afrikaners to share the day with the “other side”. Some took up the suggestion and met to chat and share their experience of the day.
Durham said she was a colourful person and liked wearing the bright Zulu attire.
“I am totally fascinated with the Zulu tradition. Being a tour guide, I enjoy talking about it to tourists. It is unique in South Africa.
“I also adore the traditional dancing and know a lot about it, having myself organised an African music festival about 10 years ago.”
The Mercury