The seat of power of Dingane from 1828 to 1839 is preserved as a site museum. The iKhanda was destroyed by fire on the orders of Dingane himself when he decided to leave it. On account of the site’s excellent state of archaeological preservation, and its significance in the course of regional history, the museum is primarily directed at:
The excavation, research and interpretation of the site as a typical example of a 19th century royal iKhanda with the emphasis on traditional Zulu social and political organisation, trade and technology;
The research and interpretation of the historical events of the period which include Zulu relations with the hunter-traders, missionaries, Voortrekkers and the resulting conflicts in this very sensitive period of the region’s history.
In 1990 excavation revealed the floor of Dingane’s great hut. Features such as the size and number of supporting poles found at the site have verified this. Remains of the beads which were reported to have covered the poles and which have melted in the heat of the fire that destroyed the hut, were found at the bases as lumps of glass.
The museum is open daily between 08h00 and 17h00 and trained guides conduct visitors around the site.
