Episode 257 - Rorke’s Drift Part I: Defiance, Disobedience and the Aftermath of Isandlwana

Episode 257 - Rorke’s Drift Part I: Defiance, Disobedience and the Aftermath of Isandlwana

Published: January 11, 2026

Duration: 20:37

Rorke’s Drift was a battle that Cetshwayo kaMpande did not want, because it took place on the western bank of the Mzinyathi or Buffalo River — inside Natal.

The British had been routed at Isandlwana by the main Zulu army, regiments who’s names are still venerated by oral historians today, the uKhandempemvu, uNokhenke, uDududu, iMbube, iSanqu, the uMbonambi, iNgobamakhosi. The men of the uThulwana, iNdlondlo, iNluyengwe, uDloko amabitho had headed northwest during the battle to cut off Chelmsford’s escape route while the main army went to work evicerating Durnford’s men.

The commanders of the main a...