Durban - KwaZulu-Natal commemorated the Battle of Isandlwana on Saturday with a state visit from Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni.
Museveni joined President Jacob Zuma, King Goodwill Zwelithini and a host of dignitaries to honour the triumph of the Zulu warriors over the British army in 1879.
The Battle of Isandlwana resulted in the death of 1 300 British troops and left 1 000 Zulu warriors wounded.
The Ugandan leader, accompanied by a top notch delegation, came to South Africa to explore investment and trade opportunities between the two nations.
"Our relationship with the people of Uganda is deeply entrenched, therefore, our main task should be to deepen this relationship through various programmes of exchange but more importantly, through building mutual economic ties that are beneficial to the development of both countries," said KZN Premier Zweli Mkhize.
Mkhize added: "The KZN provincial government is encouraging business-to-business partnerships, promotion of investments and person-to-person relationships as a logical representation of this very deep relationship."
King Zwelithini echoed the premier's thoughts on creating stability in Africa through economic ties: "The advancement of black people in this country is critical to our economic growth and development. I want to encourage you to explore investment opportunities in KwaZulu-Natal."
The two leaders in the province used the significance of the Battle of Isandlwana to remind South Africans and the Ugandan delegation about the importance of being a united Africa.
According to Zwelithini, the Commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana is about the celebration of South Africa's diversity.
"It is the day on which we commit ourselves to preserve the different traditions and religions," said Zwelithini.
President Zuma, who also made an address at the event, said: "Like this Battle of Isandlwana commemoration, that centenary will be a celebration of triumph against colonialism, apartheid and all forms of racist oppression.
"It will prove that the fighting spirit and resilience of the African people all over the continent will enable us to build a united, peaceful and truly prosperous Africa. We must take lessons from the Battle of Isandlwana, which stands as a symbol of triumph over colonialism if we are to prevail in current battle against poverty," said Zuma.
The premier also acknowledged the role of other African countries in South Africa's liberation.
"This year's commemoration of the Battle of Isandlwana is about the strengthening of solidarity amongst the people of this province and the people of Uganda. We also want to acknowledge the contribution of many countries in Africa towards the attainment of freedom in South Africa," said Mkhize.
