ABSTRACT
The Zulu Threat - Race and the Military Within the secondary schools of Natal there was absolute belief in the racial superiority of whites and the need to preserve distinct spheres of social interaction. Rugby was strictly a white sport. On the issue of military service and the importance of war the schools were also united. The view of school magazines and the media towards military service was quite uniform. Participation in the military was manly, necessary and important. The three major rugby-playing schools - Hilton, Maritzburg College and Michaelhouse - all boasted cadets (Hilton's cadet corps, established in 1872, was the first in the empire) and glorified their commitments to the defence of the realm by monument, memorial service and parades. Furthermore, the old boys of these schools formed an important and enthusiastic part of the local regiments, particularly of the Natal Carbineers, the premier regiment of the Midlands.12
