On January 22 our movement commemorated the centenary of the battle of Isandhlwana. Indeed, it was more than just a commemoration, it was a celebration. On that day Cetshwayo's impis outmanoeuvred and wiped out to a man an entire column of the British invading force- the most modern and well equiped that the world's leading colonial power could put up into the field. 900 British troops were speared to death. This was one of the most humiliating defeats in the annals of the British military history. Victorian England and the British Commander, Lord Chlemsford, retreated to Durban is disgrace.
The remarkable heroism of our people resisted the robbery, rape and plunder of our land by white invaders. The intruders paid dearly in life and blood.
The indomitable fighting spirit among our people is based on the revolutionary and military traditions of our people: Griqua, Pedi, Sotho, Shangaan, Tswana, Xhosa, Zulu and others.The Shakas, Makandas, Sekhukhuunis, moeshoeshoes and Cetshwayos of today are in Umkhonto we Sizwe.
from: Sechaba Vol.13 1979