26 November 1999
The premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr L. Mtshali, welcomed guests at the opening of Ncome Museum, situated at the Ncome-Blood River Heritage Site. The Site is named after a nearby river known as Ncome in isiZulu and Bloedrivier in Afrikaans and witnessed a major confrontation between the Voortrekkers and amaZulu on 16 December 1838. The Ncome Monument and Museum Complex is situated on the KwaMathambo side of the Ncome River, while the Blood River Monument is located west of the river. The Ncome Museum, its design inspired by the Zulu war horn formation, offers a re-interpretation of the 1838 battle and Zulu culture in general. In his address, Mtshali expressed the view that the proper function of history and museums is to convey to those safe from war and conflict what they should be grateful for.
The Museum offers a variety of educational programmes to school groups.
References
Burger, D.ed2002. South Africa Yearbook 2001/02, Pretoria: GCIS, p. 90|South African Government Information, (1999),WELCOMING ADDRESS BY THE PREMIER OF KWAZULU-NATAL, from South African Government Information, 26 November,[online], Available at www.info.gov.za [Accessed: 22 November 2013]