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Did You Know?

The Bloedrivier slagveld (Blood River battlefield) is located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, near the Ncome River. On 16 December 1838, a battle took place between the Voortrekkers, led by Andries Pretorius, and the Zulu kingdom under King Dingane. The Voortrekkers formed a defensive laager (wagon circle) and used firearms to repel repeated Zulu attacks. Estimates suggest that around 3,000 Zulu warriors died, while only a few Voortrekkers were wounded. The river's water reportedly turned red from the bloodshed, giving the site its name. The battle is commemorated annually on the Day of Reconciliation (formerly Dingane's Day and the Day of the Vow).

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