The Swellendam Heritage Association invites you to a talk by historian Dr. Rodney Warwick.     

His talk is a particularly interesting one relating to Africa’s longest running war. Unlike the Zulu war of 1879 which mainly consisted of 2 definitive battles (Isandlwana and Ulundi), the Xhosa Frontier wars were fought over a 100 year period and consisted of 9 frontier wars.

 It is an often neglected, but particularly interesting period of South African history, which occurred in the Eastern Cape owing to colonial expansion to the east and Xhosa expansion to the west. The period is riddled with interesting characters such as Sir Harry Smith, Paramount chief Hintsa, Sir George Grey, Chiefs Sandile and Maqomo, one of the greatest Xhosa warriors of all.  It was also a period that involved the district of Swellendam in the conflicts.

Please mark your calendar in red for Thursday 21st April 2022 at 18h00 for 18h30 in the Drostdy Schuur when Dr. Warwick, who is coming from Cape Town especially for this, will address us on this dramatic period in our history. 

Dr. Warwick completed a BA (Honours) in History as well as a high school teaching diploma at UCT. From 1990 he taught history at Herzlia, in Cape Town, thereafter at Thomas More College, Kwazulu-Natal and Capricorn High, Pietersburg (now Polokwane). His last teaching post before retiring was at Bishops, Cape Town. He now concentrates on historical writing.

There is a lot more I could say regarding Dr Warwick’s achievements but will leave that until we introduce him on the night. It is sufficient to say Dr Warwick is well qualified to speak on the chosen subject, the title of which is  “An irreconcilable cauldron of cultural clashes and avarice – the 19th Century Eastern Cape Frontier Wars”.
What:             A talk by Dr Rodney Warwick “An irreconcilable cauldron of cultural clashes and avarice – the 19th Century Eastern Cape Frontier Wars”.

When:                 Thursday evening 21 April at 18h00 for 18h30

Where:                Drostdy Schuur.

Cost:                   R70.00 for members and R100 for visitors who are most welcome.

Catering:             Snacks, wine / juice after the talk and a time to catch up on all the news as well as speak to Dr Warwick.

RSVP:                 As usual for catering purposes please reply to  p.bromley05@gmail.com by Tuesday evening 19th April

Looking forward to seeing you all there.