Welcome to Ladysmith in the Zulu Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa!

2008 Siege Weekend & Swartkop Challenge

zoom Royal Navy in action

BACKGROUND

See also Royal Navy receives highest honour


The South African War of 1899 to 1902 has had far reaching effects on various aspects of our country's history.

The most dramatic of these is the fact that KwaZulu-Natal now has the highest concentration of battle sites in South Africa. The 118-day siege of Ladysmith was a dramatic turning point in the war and made Ladysmith a household name in Britian. With nearly 500 000 British troops involved in action during this war,it has had an equally dramatic impact on recent British history.

There are countless stories of heroism, tragedy and suffering, not only for the South African citizens involved (Black, White and Indian) but also for British citizens who fought and died on South African soil.

During the South African War (1899 - 1900) the protagonists repeatedly mounted heavy artillery guns the hills surrounding Ladysmith. The slopes were often impossible for animals to negotiate so manpower was the only resource. The Swartkop Challenge Competition celebrates the efforts of those who achieved these incredible feats.

The Swartkop Extreme Challenge began in 2003 as a privately funded heritage tourism event organised by Campaign Trails. The venue was the historically correct Swartkop (hill) near Spioenkop in Northern KZN. This extreme event is based on the historic mounting of 14 guns at Swartkop for the Battle of Vaalkranz which took place from 4 to 6 February 1900. During 2004 Ladysmith Tourism (Emnambithi Municipality) came on board and expanded the event to its current format as the Ladysmith Siege Weekend. The Challenge was also moved to Wagon Hill in Ladysmith for easier access.

The 2005 Siege Weekend saw the Freedom of the Ladysmith being bestowed on the Irish Guards and during the 2006 Weekend this honour was bestowed on the Harrismith Commando. Both units return every year to exercise their freedom.

The winners of the 2006 Challenge was Ladysmith's own 5th SA Infantry Battalion and on their very first attempt! The team was made up of 20 Black permanent SANDF members.

The 2007 Siege Weekend has been the most successful to date. Visitor numbers quadrupled and the media coverage included South African and British television and radio broadcasts.

The best team was the Royal Highland Fusiliers with a time of 20 minutes and 58 seconds.

zoom 5 SA Infantry trying their best

The Challenge

Teams attempt to re-enact the hauling of an original 1500kg Royal Naval field gun up a slope of 130m at a 1:1 gradient. Only human muscle power may be used.

The Challenge is open to teams of 20(+2) who can satisfy the organisers they have the required strength and stamina. The entry fee to participate is R500,00. The competition rules are available on the website.

Supporting Events

17th Lancers Re-enactment Group (on horseback)
Demonstrations by the SA Miniature Canon Club
Demonstrations by Orange Free State Artillery Corps Re- enactment Group
Demonstration by the Dundee Die Hards Re-enactment Group
Tug of War
Indian Stretcher Bearer Race
Zulu Dancers
Arts, crafts and food market
Horse & pony Rides

Formal Events

The formal events are put up by the Emnambithi/Ladysmith Municipality and involve a considerable amount of protocol as the Mayor is involved and many VIP's form part of the event.

There will be two formal events being a sunset wreath laying in front of the Siege Museum at the Irish Guards Monument and other monuments.

The main formal event will be the bestowing of the Freedom of the Town on the Royal Navy in recognition of their role played in the Anglo Boer/South African War and specifically the siege of Ladysmith. This includes a Gala Dinner for sponsors, competitors, display personnel & dignitaries

Contact

CHARLES AIKENHEAD:CHALLENGE ORGANISER
Cel. 074 259 2663
Email: c.aikenhead@virgin.net
Website: http://www.swartkopchallenge.com
Campaign Trails: Gillitts office: 031-676 4166 / Ladysmith branch: 036-631 4990




FIFI MEYER: LADYSMITH TOURISM & SIEGE MUSEUM TRUST
Cel. 083 627 5758
Tel./Fax: 036-6372992
Email: museum@ladysmith.co.za
Website: http://www.ladysmith.co.za





R G REDDY:EXECUTIVE MANAGER: GOVERNANCE & TRANSFORMATIONS
Emnambithi/Ladysmith Municipality
Tel. 036-6372231
Fax: 036-6311400
Email: ts@ladysmith.co.za

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