About Martyr's Cross
The colonisation of South Africa was by no means a smooth or easy process. It was tragic, violent and sometimes unnecessary. Still, after death, mutiny, betrayal and slaughter, we are left with a country that is vibrant, colourful and bursting at the seams with culture and heritage. Touring the battlefields, delving into the history of the towns and meeting the folk that can share insights into the South Africa of yesteryear is a very special experience that resonates with young and old, leaving lasting impressions.
Did you know? Martyr's Cross stands high on Mpondweni Hill outside Eshowe and offers spectacular views of Mlalazi River valley and the coastal plain.
Eshowe is the oldest town in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, and, as such, has loads of character and history. It is equipped with two malls and a number of other amenities. Still, it remains small, not overrun with commerce and development. This is home to Martyr's Cross, which stands proudly on Mpodweni Hill, overlooking some of the magnificent mountains and valleys for which this part of South Africa is known and loved.
Martyr's Cross is a monument that was erected in memory of the first Christian martyr in Zululand, Maqhamusela Khanyile. In the latter half of the 1800's, soldiers were not permitted to become baptised Christians, as they were then presumed to pay loyalties to their beliefs, and not to the Zulu king. However, Maqhamusela Khanyile was prepared to die for his determination to dedicate his life to Christianity and to refuse to serve in the army of King Cetshwayo. And die he did. After one misfire, the weapon let off a single shot, and the countryside fell silent. He was put to death near the Norwegian Mission Station on top of Mpodweni Hill in 1877.
The story of the faith and courage of Maqhamusela Khanyile was carried down through the generations, inspiring young and old alike to pursue their commitment to what really matters to them. In 1937, a concrete cross was erected on the hill to honour Khanyile. Some 14 years later, it was replaced by a cross of steel. Then, in 2007, the granite monument that still stands today was unveiled in a ceremony to honour, not only Maqhamusela Khanyile, but all of those men and women who died martyrs' deaths. It is illuminated at night, giving it a drama that is quite unlike the death that he suffered.
Eshowe is home to a number of other historical attractions for those that are interested in what lies beneath the surface of the beautiful countryside. Pay a visit to Fort Nongqwayi (built by the British), and the neighbouring Basketry Museum. This Basketry Museum is, in turn, part of the Vukani Zulu Cultural Museum, which showcases the arts and crafts of the local Zulu culture.
This region is also laden with exquisite fauna and flora, and a number of conservation areas are contained within the borders of Zululand in an effort to educate, exhibit and protect these treasures. These conservation hotspots include the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, Itala Game Reserve, and Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area.
Need to Know
WhereMartyr's Cross, Mpodweni Hill, Eshowe, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours
OvernightStay in Eshowe Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inAttractions near Eshowe
Wish you were here?
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Eshowe
Dlinza Forest Accommodation
Dlinza Forest Accommodation is situated in the historical town of Eshowe in Zululand. We offer four unique, tastefully furnished fully equipped s...
Birds of Paradise B&B
Birds of Paradise enjoys the quiet surroundings of a magnificent park like garden adjoining the indigenous Dhlinza Forest. More than 35 species o...
Matatane Camp
Matatane Camp offers accommodation in Ulundi in the White Umfolozi Valley, close to the impressive Nhlazatshe Mountain. If you're after an outdoo...
African Dwarf Kingfisher Guesthouse
African Dwarf Kingfisher Guest House is situated in Eshowe, ideal for those on the Zululand Birding Route and close to Dlinza Forest. Quality acc...
Eshowe Guesthouse
Situated in the Zululand town of Eshowe, the guesthouse offers accommodation in serviced rooms. Eshowe guesthouse has beautiful gardens, an abund...
Babanango Valley Lodge
Set deep in the heart of the Babanango Valley, Valley Lodge offers a “home away from home” experience in a farm-styled environment. It is the per...
Sugar Hill Manor Guesthouse
Situated in Eshowe, Sugar Hill Manor offers accommodation in a 100 year old Victorian home which boasts stunning views of the countryside. The pr...
Eshowe Hills Eco and Golf Estate
Situated on the rolling hills just outside Eshowe, with magnificent views down to the coast, and within easy reach of the new King Shaka Airport,...
Eagles Nest Guesthouse
Eagles Nest Guesthouse is set in the heart of Eshowe, which is surrounded by the natural Dlinza Forest. The Guest house offers a total of eight r...
Things to do in the area
Zululand Brewery
You may already know all about the Zululand Brewery because you're already a fan of the Zulu Blonde Beer, which is available in the United Kingdo...
Made at Home
Made at Home is a fun, fresh and funky market with one simple rule … nothing allowed from factories or shops. So everything you stumble across is...
Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk
South Africa and its subtropical province of KwaZulu-Natal are both testimony to the beauty and profusion of natural treasures to be found within...
Rainbow Route
The Rainbow Route links the provinces of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal starting at Carolina. It passes through the towns of Kriel, Bethal, Ermelo,...
Accommodation convenient to Martyr's Cross
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Zululand Accommodation / Eshowe Accommodation