125th Anniversary of the Battle of Spion Kop

His Worship The Mayor, Mr Vikizitha Mlotshwa, the 125th Commemoration Committee, view this as a wonderful opportunity to honour the memory of the fallen and pledge to care for the living, to ensure the richness of our ancestry to flourish for generations to come.

‘Tourism can become the protector of the world’s unique cultures, heritage, arts and sciences for the betterment of all humankind.”

Remembrance unites people of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds Remembrance honours those who serve to defend our democratic freedoms and way of life. It does not glorify war it is a sign of hope for a peaceful future both nationally and internationally.

Spion Kop was the scene of one of the bloodiest and perhaps, most futile battles fought during the South African War of 1899 1902. It was an all inclusive war between Britain and the allied men from Canada, Australia and New Zealand, who joined this war, being the first time that troops from overseas fought under their national banner and South Africans known as Boers, Indians and the Zulu, Xhosa, Bakgatla, Shangaan, Sotho, Swazi and Basotho people, became embroiled in the War. Indigenous Nguni people and Indians played supporting roles for both sides there were times when indigenous people were deployed to fill defensive tasks and the medical services

The Spion Kop Battlefield is unique as it includes Memorials to all people involved on Spion Kop in January, 1900, The British , The Boers The Indian Stretcher Bearers and the African Scouts on Spion Kop.

The Battle of Spion Kop /Spioenkop , was to bring together three significant and influential men of the 20th Century, namely, Winston Churchill , who became the Prime Minister of England, Louis Botha who was to become the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa in 1910, Ma hatma Gandhi, who was a stretcher bearer with the volunteer Ambulance Core.

In honour of the soldiers from Liverpool and the surrounding cities and towns who fought so bravely ,some losing their lives, during the Battle have a “KOP END “ Liverpool in the United Kingdom’s famous Football Stadium, home of some 4 000 000 million, Liverpool Football supporters, Anfield has the "KOP " or Spion Kop Gate and Stand is known at the “KOP END A s do a further 18 Foot Ball Stadiums , in the UK

From the ashes of the tragedy of the South African War of 1899 1902 , In an effort to unite across faiths, cultures and backgrounds and nationalities to remember the service and sacrifice of these brave men and women we will be hosting a Commemoration.

We wish to pay tribute to the special contribution of families and of the emergency services. We need to remember that the effects of wars continue long after an armistice, impacting people from all faiths, cultures, beliefs and background, physically and emotionally, individual ly and collectively. By remembering all who have served, we recognize their illingly-endured hardships and fears, taken upon them so that we could live in peace.

With this in mind we would like to request that you save the date for the 24th January, 2025, for our Wreath Laying Ceremony and Gala Dinner.

We will be having a Commemoration week the programme will follow a little later.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s poignant quote: “It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”

The Mayor of Okhahlamba Local Municipality, Mr Vikizitha Mlotshwa, cordially invites you to this special occasion and would appreciate an indication of your support and attendance at this very special Commemoration.

If you could please email a response to : info@spionkop.co.za
Please find our Facebook page for the event linked here