Vuyi Mpofu and Bongiwe Didiza s interprovincial trip is drawing to a close. The duo left the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg for the calm demeanour of Kwazulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Now, as they embark on the return-leg to the City of Gold, they were confronted, again, by inconsiderate drivers driving recklessly, and onlookers questioning their abilities to handle their iron steeds.
Our trip back to Joburg at the end of the Pride of Africa Ride 2020 was met with sunshine and clear skies. Somewhat despondent that our visit had been cut short, we knew our reasons for doing so were in our best interests.
As Covid-19 infections increased over the 2020 festive season and President Cyril Ramaphosa began talks of stiffer measures to curb its spread, it became apparent that we would be unable to implement a large portion of the plans we had for the Pride of Africa Ride (POAR). Our return trip would have seen us travelling via Battlefields Route, where eight significant wars were fought between Zulu warriors (the greatest army in Africa at the time) and British soldiers.
Accompanied by local Zulu guides, we learned of our gallant forefathers momentous accomplishments, namely, Kings Shaka, Cetshwayo and Dingaan - in their spirited efforts to defend the land from the invasion of the Queen s army. While essential, it is a pity that this portion of South African history is not widely documented or taught in schools today.