Before the battle of Bloedrivier, strong Voortrekker leaders were killed in the events at Bloukrans, the murder of Retief and the battle of Italeni. The Voortrekkers searched for a leader in the Cape and Andries Pretorius joined the Voortrekkers and organised the men by appointing commanders and field cornets.

The guns, the making of bullets, how gunpowder was made, the cannons and ranges of the various weapons were discussed.

There were livestock – cattle, sheep and horses – in the camp as well as all the Voortrekkers and helpers. The cattle did not become restless because the great noise of the rifle and cannon shots.

The Zulus were orderly and shrewd; the Voortrekkers were not militarily trained The Zulus had a very large military force and the ratio was 20:1.

The Covenant and the role of Charl Cilliers were discussed.

It was illustrated by photos, illustrations and a short video clip.