Whatshot
The original Le Zulu Blanc
The original Le Zulu Blanc
Off the R102 is a private farm on which a grave of an interesting historical figure is located. It is the grave of the original le Zulu blanc (white Zulu), John Robert Dunn.
Born in 1834 in Port Alfred, Dunn was the grandson of Alexander Biggar, a pioneer trader at Port Natal. Yet, John Dunn was orphaned by age 14. Dressed in traditional Zulu clothing, he lived at the Tugela River during his adolescent year and learned to speak isiZulu fluently and about the traditions and customs of the amaZulu. This made him a skilled interpreter for the British colonial government of Natal. He first worked in the employ of Captain Joshua Walmsley while being close to the sons of King Mpande: Mbuyasi and Cetshwayo. Dunn favoured Mbuyasi and fought on his side during the Battle of Ndondakusuka of 2 December 1856. Cetshwayo's forces won that battle but his victory did not end Dunn's role in Zulu politics.
Before the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879, Dunn served King Cetshwayo as a diplomat and as an interpreter and was given land by the Zulu king at oNgoya. In addition, he was also given two Zulu wives and cattle. When the British handed their ultimatum to Cetshwayo's indunas, Dunn feared for his life and tried to remain neutral. He, however, decided later to join the British forces and helped Lord Chelmsford with reconnaissance. By September 1879, he was given the largest part of the subdivided Zululand and ruled as a chief in his own right. During his life he married 49 wives and it is believed that he fathered 171 children.
He died in 1895 due to dropsy and heart disease. His descendants were able to procure the title deeds to what would become known as `Dunnsland` and court declared them the rightful owners for a final time in 2004.
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