Regiments arrive at Stanger High School to salute King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Image: Sandile Ndlovu
When they arrive with their sticks lifted up, singing traditional songs they first salute the king as a sign of recognition and respect. “Bayede wena weNdlovu! Bayede wena weNdlovu!”
This is what the regiments do every year at KwaDukuza, in KwaZulu-Natal, when they attend the Heritage Day commemoration, previously known as Shaka Day.
After that a headman will instruct them to “go and pee”, a signal, as thousands of people gather to celebrate the day, that they are going for a stick fight. They come from hostels and different villages in the province.
A space is identified, not far from King Shaka's grave, where regiments open a circle and challenge each other to a stick fight. One regiment enters the circle and a second enters to challenge them.
An overview of regiments having a stick fight at KwaDukuza.
Image: Sandile Ndlovu
Izinduna (headmen) stand inside the circle to ensure nobody is unjustly injured — and the fight is fair.
The practice is called umgangela (stick fight) and it is a game of men, where one is supposed to cover the head with a shield made from cow skin and a long stick that vertically crosses the shield.
A man dodges a blow from a rival.
Image: Sandile Ndlovu
The sticks are crafted to look colourful but are strong enough to crack an opponent's skull.
During the stick fight, when a man is hurt he pours sand on the wound or covers his head with a towel to stop the bleeding.
If a stick breaks or is dropped, the fight is called off. When a man falls, the opponent is not allowed to hit him.
This year was the first Heritage Day celebration under King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
Spectators look on as regiments fight.
Image: Sandile Ndlovu
Sticks fly as the fight progresses.
Image: Sandile Ndlovu
When a fighter drop his stick, the fight is halted.
Image: Sandile Ndlovu
Police look on as the regiments fight.
Image: Sandile Ndlovu
An injured man leaves the fight.
Image: Sandile Ndlovu
A fighter falls to the ground.
Image: NQUBEKO MBELE
The winner in a fight stays on, ready for the next challenger.
Image: Sandile Ndlovu
