Majuba Day, noun phrase

/məˈdʒuːbə ˌdeɪ/
Origin:
IsiZuluShow more Named for the scene of the battle at Majuba mountain (adaptation of its isiZulu name Amajuba ‘the doves’, ‘the pigeons’) near Volksrust in KwaZulu-Natal.
The 27th of February, the date of a significant Boer victory against British forces in 1881, during the first Anglo-Boer War.
[1891 J. Kelly Coming Revolt of Eng. in Tvl 6I will not..dwell longer on the great and crowning day of Majuba, but go straight to the events which transpired afterwards.]
1902 C.R. De Wet Three Yrs War 361On the 27th of February, 1902 — ‘Majuba Day’ — Commandant van Merwe [sic] and four hundred men fell into the hands of the enemy. On that very day, in the year 1881, the famous battle of Majuba had been fought.
1969 J. Meintjes Sword in Sand 72The following day would be the 27th, Majuba Day...And it was on that day that General Piet Cronje..surrendered to Lord Roberts...‘Why not a day sooner or a day later.’ General de la Rey lamented in Bloemfontein. ‘Why on Majuba Day!’
1988 E. Prov. Herald 31 Mar. 2Mr Botha was replying to the militant organisation’s (sc. the AWB’s) petition to the Government on Majuba Day demanding the return of Boer land.
1993 B. Krige in Sunday Times 4 Apr. 17The Bush Pub will..close for Republic Day, the Day of the Vow and Majuba Day.
The 27th of February, the date of a significant Boer victory against British forces in 1881, during the first Anglo-Boer War.
Entry Navigation

Visualise Quotations

Quotation summary

Senses

18911993

Browse Related Words

By Category

South African War
Occasions

By Origin

IsiZulu
majita, nounn.mak, adjectiveadj.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Unit for South African English