French delegation visits to mark anniversary in grand style at Prince Impérial Monument
The recent commemoration at the Prince Impérial Monument drew a distinguished French delegation, including Defence Attaché Colonel Frédéric Jardin and Cultural Attaché Jean Spiri, to honour the young officer who was killed on June 1, 1879. Wreaths were laid for Prince Louis Napoléon (Emperor Napoleon III's son), the two soldiers who perished as well, and their Zulu guide. In his address, Jardin noted that former adversaries – French, English and Zulu – now stand as friends.
He announced that the French Embassy will invest in upgrading the site with new signage and fencing. The historic, secluded monument has been part of the Battlefields Route since retired French lecturer Glenn Flanagan launched the Route Prince Impérial Louis Napoléon in June 1996. Teaming up with Battlefields Route chairperson Raymond Heron and French Teachers' Association president Jenny Bustin, Flanagan sought to keep alive the memory of the prince, who was ambushed near Qweqwe (25km from Nquthu) during the Anglo-Zulu War.
Flanagan secured community backing – most notably from uQweqwe Secondary School's then French teacher Samke Masane – to launch the first ceremony on Sunday, June 1, 1996.
Since then, history buffs, francophone students and locals gather every year on the nearest Sunday to pay their respects.
Investments in the area have included funding for local schools and attempts to develop visitor facilities.
An eco-friendly toilet once installed at the site was destroyed after a few months, highlighting ongoing challenges.
Cultural organisations from Réunion Island and other Francophone partners have been encouraged to support the Qweqwe area's development.
The day was also used to introduce learner tour guides Zakhe Shabalala and Siphesihle Ntombela to the site.
They were accompanied by Pam McFadden of Talana Museum and Dundee Tourism chairperson Toyi Mtshali.
Soccer and rugby balls were distributed to delighted local children, reinforcing the event's community spirit.
'The Route Prince Impérial is more than a ceremony – it's a bridge between cultures,' Flanagan said.
'We celebrate history, inspire young learners to embrace language and heritage, and boost cultural tourism for local businesses,' added Flanagan.
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