Chief Buthelezi, who comes from a long line of Zulu royalty dating back to the great King Cetywayo, presented symbolic miniature leeks to some of the 600 Welsh soldiers during the St David’s Day parade to wear on their berets.

His ancestors were among the 4,500 Zulus who fought against a small force of 139 men defending the mission at Rorke's Drift. The British soldiers included B Company 2nd Battalion 24th Foot, who later became the South Wales Borderers, and then The Royal Regiment of Wales before forming the present Battalion two years ago.

Their iconic stand won them the respect not only of the British public, but also their Zulu opponents. Over the years a strong relationship has built up between the Welsh unit and the people of Rorke's Drift and Natal. B Company has traditionally been named B 'Rorke's Drift' Company to commemorate the action fought at the famous battle.

Chief Buthelezi actually played the part of his illustrious ancestor, King Cetywayo, in the famous film Zulu:

"I played my great grandfather," he explained. "The director had actually identified a radio announcer (to play the part), but when he saw me he said that he saw a family resemblance and persuaded me to take part as an extra. I rubbed shoulders with Michael Caine and Jack Hawkins, I enjoyed it very much.


A close-up of the symbolic miniature leek presented to some of the Welsh soldiers
[Picture: Cpl G Moreno]
"The film makers took some licence with the story, but both my grandfather and great grandfather took part in the battle of Isandhwallah the day before Rorke's Drift.

"Our relationship with the Royal Welsh Regiment is getting stronger and stronger, former enemies are now friends, we love these relationships. As former enemies you could call it a love-hate relationship. In my culture, when people have fought together, the victorious and the vanquished have mutual respect for one another.

"I am proud to be here as a friend of the Royal Welsh Regiment, the bonds of history between the regiment and my nation, the Zulu nation, are as strong today as they have been for nearly 130 years, and I bring you the good wishes of the people of South Africa and also his Majesty, King Goodwill, my king.

Referring to the role which Royal Welsh soldiers have played in contemporary operations Chief Buthelezi added:

"I would like to say that the entire world, not just the British people, owe this regiment a great debt of gratitude for helping to bring peace and stability to two of the most dangerous hotspots of our world, Iraq and Afghanistan.




"While today is a day of celebration, we also pay tribute to the five men that you lost in Iraq last year. Talking with your Commanding Officer last night I was deeply impressed by the challenges that you faced in defending Queen and country, your bravery and honour is famed throughout the world, your dedication and professionalism is without equal, you are the best of Welsh and the Best of British, I thank you."

The 'A Dewi Sant' celebrations also included a church service, the final of the inter-company rugby competition and the traditional light-hearted leek-eating competition. This took place just before the lunch for the Non-Commissioned Soldiers which was served to them by their officers and senior ranks.

Five of the youngest soldiers from each of the Battalion's Companies were marched in to the dining hall by two Welsh Bards who read the story of St David in Welsh and English. They then had to eat a raw leek and drink a goblet of beer in the fastest time possible while being cheered on by their comrades.