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Shaka Zulu Essay

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Zulu , Politics , Military , Tribe , Nation , History , Services papers , Region

Words: 1700

Published: 03/31/2021

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Introduction to Shaka Zulu Essay

In this paper, I shall discuss the impact of Shaka King Zulu’s reign in Southern Africa. Specifically taking into account how Shaka was able to use his military genius and political acumen to establish the Zulu Kingdom and stabilize his reign. The purpose of this paper is to discover as to how Shaka struggled to give a name for himself before he became ruler, and how he used his power to usher the creation of the Zulu nation. Other topics this paper would discuss is the military background of Shaka under the Mtetwa, how he rose to power, and how he was killed. This paper will also examine how Shaka became a symbol of nationalism and how his name became a myth and source of debate for many.

Early Years of King Shaka

Shaka Zulu is considered a myth to African history considering that no one is aware of his origins or early career. According to Hodge (2008), he was seen by historians as an illegitimate son of a chief, who had been cast-off from the tribe and paid service to another tribe leader . Others suggest that this record is true as Osei (2001) stated that Shaka was born in 1786 to King Senzangakona, who ruled the tribe living close to the Umvolosi and Umlatusi rivers. His mother was only known as Nandi, the first great woman to ever hold honor and influence in Zulu. Despite the fame of his parents, Shaka was scorned by his tribesmen was some believed him to be an illegitimate child of their chieftain. Once his treatment got so bad, his grandmother took Shaka away and stayed in Mtetwa where he met his future second-in-command Ngomane.

Under Service to Dingiswayo

After seven years of training and staying at the Mtetwa, Shaka entered into the service of Dingiswayo, who was the tribe’s chief at the period. Many commended Shaka’s fighting prowess and his successes were known throughout the tribe. Dingiswayo at that time had only began his reign in 1795 and managed to conquer neighboring tribes like the Quadi, Qwabe, Langeni, Ntshali and many others. However, he was unable to defeat King Zwide of the Ndwande, who was also a military genius in his own right. Shaka had entered into Dingiswayo’s army at that point and immediately became the tribe chief’s favorite as he made a name for himself in many conquests. Some even called him the Sigidi (thousand) after defeating thousands of enemy tribesmen. Shaka easily rose through the ranks in Dingiswayo’s army and became the Commander in Chief of the Izicwe Regiment. Under Dingiswayo, Shaka was able to learn not just military combat, but also governance. He took every detail and analyzed which areas of the tribe’s leadership would be a threat, such as Dingiswayo’s generosity. For Shaka, aggression can be prevented by ensuring that the conquered would no longer be able to retaliate once they are defeated. While earning praises in Mtetwa, Shaka remained in touch with the happenings in his old tribe. Rise of King Shaka

As Shaka slowly honed his political policies, his father had been reported to have passed away in 1810. Dingiswayo, upon hearing the news, knew that Shaka was most trustworthy than his brothers and had asked the Zulu to see him as their king. However, one of Shaka’s half-brothers took the throne, prompting Shaka to execute a conniving scheme to remove his brother from the throne. He had sent one of his half-brothers who went with him to Mtetwa, Ngwadi, and announce to their tribe that he was killed by Dingiswayo and he had barely escaped. Ngwadi had been able to sway their tribesmen and their reigning relatives, getting the chance he needs to assassinate the king. Ngwadi was able to commit the act when the King took a bath one morning, striking him with two spears from behind. Once the act was done and reported to Shaka, Dingiswayo gave his favorite general with an imposing staff and a select group of warriors as a farewell gift. Upon arriving in the tribe, Shaka was accepted immediately and was crowned the eleventh king of the Zulu. Dingiswayo became an ally to Shaka and both of them engaged in various campaigns around the region. However, Shaka knew this would be dangerous in the long run due to the plots by their previous targets. Dingiswayo had been taken out in one of their skirmishes, prompting Shaka to unite both the Mtetwas and Zulus to defeat this alliance and become their king . Leadership and Military under King Shaka

Many historians considered Shaka to be a revolutionary in terms of reorganizing the entire kingdom. According to Knight (1995), the kingdom remained as a conglomerate of various tribes: either defeated by Shaka in the past or those who allied with him. Each of these clans retained their autonomy from one another and they are represented by regional chiefs or the izikhulu (isikhulu for singular) in the national council. It would be difficult to for Shaka or his successors to argue against these chiefs as they may end up indoctrinating the tribes handled by these chiefs and risk being killed. However, Shaka had showcased that he can balance these chiefs by centralizing power to himself and staving these chiefs away from full control and revert the system back to its previous state before his reign.

Shaka had also reorganized the nation’s military and political system as he permitted young men from other tribes to enter service directly to the king rather than going to the local chiefs. This ensured that Shaka had full control over the military and the economy, binding the clans under his rule. He also established guilds called the amabutho (ibutho), which recruited members based on their age or capacity. Usually, members of the amabutho would need to serve the king for 15 to 20 years. Once their term is finished, they can marry and move around; however, these men can still be called into service in emergencies. Shaka also exerted a tight grip over his constituents since at that time, only his political system existed to unite them . It was said that the first clear contact and record about Shaka was written at this point through the diary of a British medic, Henry Francis Fynn. Fynn was in Durban as the medic of the British ivory traders in 1824. Under his leadership, according to these records, Zulu managed to claim the area now known today as Natal and reached even to the Eastern Cape. His conquests even triggered the movement of many Africans towards southeast Africa or the mfecane. This left many areas in the region underpopulated and undeveloped .

Death of Shaka King and Legacy

Shaka was killed in 1828 by his followers and his half-brother Dingane, who eventually succeeded the throne as the new king. According to Falola (2002), although Shaka had made Zulu a formidable nation, the fact he left the nation without a legitimate heir caused the nation to crumble. Many were also against Shaka’s rule because he had alienated many of his relatives and allies. He was also never married despite having the choice of concubines and royal women to become his bride, killing those found pregnant of his progeny in the fear this heir would claim his position. He was also quite notorious for killing tribesmen who made a single mistake such as in 1827 when he killed several people because they were not morning properly for the death of his mother. However, Shaka’s successor had triggered the downfall of the kingdom as he did not have the same military and political acumen as Shaka. Dingane even directed his attention towards the Boers of South Africa, whom he perceived as rivals to his kingdom . Britain was even requested to intercede to stop the fighting; but, it led to the Zulu War of 1879. Although the British army failed to win in the Battle of Isandhiwana, it had slowly broken the Zulu nation break apart due to the impact of the war .

Regardless of the destruction of the empire he had built, Shaka remained an icon for many ethnic groups, especially for the nationalists. According to Wright (2006), the King’s life became a myth for both whites and blacks alike from 1880 to the 1920s, seeing him as the revolutionary in the region. Historians argued that many of Shaka’s allies may have manipulated the records deliberately to ensure that Shaka would be seen in a negative light by the future generation. Admittedly, he had been the cause of major uprooting and migrations of many tribes due to his violent conquests. However, some viewed him as a prime mover or a revolutionary as he was able to establish a somewhat stable government despite the lack of example. As the years progressed, Shaka was viewed as the face of African nationalism as nationalists used him as an example for South Africans to emulate to regain control of their ‘nation’ which the British government took from them .

While history remains uncertain as to the actual account of King Shaka’s life, it could be argued that Shaka was a revolutionary in his own right. He had used his military and political genius to establish a united nation with its very own political system unlike anything seen in the region. He understood where the existing political regimes were weak and exploited it to gain his throne. He had been the one who raised a revolution around the region to unite tribes into one group. Shaka also showed ruthlessness that earned him enemies, but it had enabled him to secure his throne and nation without putting them into chaos.

Falola, T. (2002). Key Events in African History: A Reference Guide. Westport: Greenwood Publishing. Hodge, C. C. (2008). Encyclopedia of the Age of Imperialism, 1800-1914. Westport: Greenwood Publishing Group. Knight, I. (1995). Zulu, 1816-1906. Oxford: Osprey Publishing. Osei, G. K. (2001). Shaka the Great. Baltimore: Black Classic Press. Wright, J. (2006). Reconstituting Shaka Zulu for the twenty-first century. Southern African Humanities, 18(3), 139-153.

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• Old World Gods

History Shaka Zulu: The Legacy of an African Warrior King

King Shaka Zulu, a Zulu warrior and conqueror, rose to power through military prowess and strategic leadership. His reign, characterized by conquests and military reforms, left a lasting impact on African history.

Despite controversy and brutality, Shaka’s legacy as an influential monarch and military innovator endures.

Content of this Article

Early Life and Background of Shaka Zulu

Shaka Zulu’s early life was characterized by challenges and adversity that shaped his path towards becoming a legendary warrior King. His birth and heritage tied him to the lineage of Zulu royalty, instilling in him a sense of destiny and greatness.

Birth and Heritage of Shaka Zulu

Shaka Zulu was born around 1787 to Zulu King Senzangakhona and Nandi , the daughter of a Langeni chief. His royal lineage and mixed heritage marked him as a unique and influential figure within the Zulu kingdom.

Challenges Faced by Young Shaka

As a young boy, Shaka faced rejection and mistreatment due to being considered an illegitimate son. His early years were marked by struggles to prove his worth and establish his place within the Zulu society.

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Shaka’s Mentorship under Dingiswayo

Shaka’s life took a significant turn when he was taken in by the Mthethwa clan, led by Dingiswayo. Under Dingiswayo’s mentorship, Shaka honed his military skills and leadership abilities, preparing him for the challenges that lay ahead in his journey to power and conquest.

Rise to Power and Military Tactics

Shaka’s ascent to power and his innovative military tactics played a pivotal role in shaping the Zulu kingdom’s destiny. His strategic acumen and leadership capabilities propelled him to leadership, where he showcased his military prowess and unique methods.

Avenging Dingiswayo’s Death

After the untimely death of his mentor, Dingiswayo, Shaka vowed to avenge him and honor his legacy. This personal drive fueled Shaka’s relentless pursuit of justice and set the stage for his rise to power in the turbulent political landscape of southern Africa.

Military Campaigns and Conquests

• Meticulously planning his military campaigns, Shaka executed swift and decisive conquests that secured his dominance over rival chiefdoms. His systematic approach to warfare emphasized both strategic maneuvering and tactical superiority.
• Each conquest not only expanded the boundaries of the Zulu kingdom but also showcased Shaka’s ability to adapt his military strategies to counter diverse challenges and adversaries.
• By subjugating neighboring territories and uniting disparate factions under his rule, Shaka solidified his position as a formidable leader with unmatched military prowess.

Innovations in Zulu Military Tactics

Shaka revolutionized Zulu warfare by implementing groundbreaking military tactics that redefined combat strategies in the region.

His innovative approach included:

• Arming warriors with short-handled stabbing spears for close combat effectiveness
• Organizing troops into efficient formations to maximize battlefield coordination
• Emphasizing discipline, mobility, and adaptability within the Zulu forces

These tactical innovations not only enhanced the Zulu army’s efficiency but also set a new standard for military excellence in the region, cementing Shaka’s legacy as a visionary military strategist.

Expansion of the Zulu Kingdom

Following his early triumphs in unifying the Zulu tribes and solidifying power in the region, Shaka Zulu turned his sights towards the expansion of his kingdom, embarking on a series of military campaigns that would shape the future of southern Africa.

Conquest of Rival Chiefdoms

Shaka’s military prowess and innovative tactics proved to be instrumental in his conquest of rival chiefdoms. By implementing disciplined formations and deploying his warriors effectively in battle, Shaka was able to overpower his adversaries and incorporate their territories under the Zulu banner.

Subjugation of Resistance

In the face of opposition from neighboring tribes and leaders unwilling to yield to his authority, Shaka employed ruthless strategies to subjugate resistance. Through a combination of military might and strategic alliances, Shaka brought dissenting chiefdoms under his control, further expanding the boundaries of the Zulu Kingdom.

Reign of Continuous Military Campaigns

Shaka’s expansionist ambitions knew no bounds, as he led his forces in continuous military campaigns to assert dominance over the surrounding lands. The Zulu army, armed with Shaka’s innovative short-handled stabbing spears and battle formations, marched from victory to victory, leaving a trail of conquered territories in their wake.

Controversies and Brutality

King Shaka Zulu’s reign was not without controversy and brutality, as his actions during the Mfecane/Difaqane period led to widespread destruction and displacement of populations.

, the region was plunged into chaos, with mass displacements and warfare escalating ascane/Difaqane known as the Mfecane, which caused widespread suffering in southern Africa.

The brutalities of this period are attributed to Shaka’s military campaigns and policies, leading to great turmoil and upheaval among the affected populations. as the power vacuum left by Shaka’s death sparked violence and instability across the region.

His assassination by his half brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana, in 1828 was a culmination of internal power struggles within the Zulu kingdom and marked the end of an era of dominance and conquest.

Legacy of Shaka Zulu

Shaka Zulu’s legacy extends beyond his lifetime, leaving a significant impact on the Zulu people, African history, and military strategies.

Influence on Zulu People

The reign of Shaka Zulu profoundly influenced the cultural and social fabric of the Zulu people. His military conquests and centralization of power shaped the Zulu kingdom into a formidable force within the region.

Impact on African History

Shaka Zulu’s legacy reverberates throughout African history, as his military innovations and conquests reshaped the political landscape of southern Africa. The aftermath of his reign, marked by the Mfecane/Difaqane, led to significant socio-political changes in the region.

Lasting Military Innovations

• Shaka Zulu introduced revolutionary military tactics that emphasized discipline, mobility, and close combat strategies, which laid the foundation for the Zulu forces’ effectiveness in battle.
• His use of short-handled stabbing spears and strategic formations revolutionized the Zulu army’s fighting capabilities, influencing military strategies for generations to come.
• Shaka’s emphasis on centralized authority and military prowess set a precedent for future Zulu leaders and military commanders, solidifying his lasting impact on military history.

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Shaka zulu (1787-1828).

Shaka Zulu established the Zulu Empire and revolutionized warfare in Southern Africa in the early 19th Century.  Shaka was born in 1787. His father, Senzangakhona, was a minor chief of one of the Zulu-speaking clans and his mother, Nandi, was daughter of Chief Mbhengi of the rival clan.  Shaka’s birth was considered a sin because his parents were from different clans. Due to pressure from tribal leaders Shaka’s parents separated resulting in the exile of him and his mother from his father’s clan. Shaka’s mother returned to her Elangeni where she was shunned.  Consequently, her son Shaka was harassed, tormented, and neglected.

As Shaka grew older, he recalled with anger his tormenting by Elangeni members.  Upon reaching manhood he deserted the Elangeni and became affiliated with the Mthethwa clan. He served as a warrior for six years under the reign of Dingiswayo, the Mthethwa’s chief. Dingiswayo was impressed by Shaka’s courage and endurance.  Shaka remained with the Mthethwa until he learned of the death of his father, Senzangakhona, in 1816.

Shaka claimed his father’s chieftaincy with military assistance from Dingiswayo.  With his experience learned from the Mthethwa, he transformed his clan’s military from a largely ceremonial force into a powerful army capable of both defense and aggression.

In 1818, Shaka’s mentor Dingiswayo was assassinated by Zwide, the chief of the Ndwandwe clan.  Shaka sought revenge and received it in 1820 with the Zulu’s victory over the Ndwandwe in the Battle of Mhlatuze River.  Shaka then set out to forge the various Zulu-speaking clans into a powerful empire.  As he incorporated rival groups, the Zulu Empire’s population reached an estimated 250,000 and his state emerged as the largest in the history of Southern Africa.  In 1827, at the height of his power, Shaka could order into the field of battle over 50,000 warriors and controlled most of the area that is now the modern state of South Africa.

Shaka’s actions became simultaneously more tyrannical, ruthless and bizarre as power concentrated in his hands.  In 1827 at the height of his power, his mother, Nandi, died.  Anger over her death and over her (and his) treatment at the hands of the Elangeni led him to order the massacre of thousands of tribal members.  His brutal treatment of his own Army nearly led to its mutiny.

In 1828, Shaka was assassinated by his half brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana.  Dingane assumed control of the Empire which lasted another half century before finally being crushed by the British Army.

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Source of the author's information:.

Carolyn Hampton, “Shaka Zulu,” in New Encyclopedia of Africa , John Middleton and Joseph C. Miller, eds., (New York: Scribner’s, 2008); Alonford James Robinson, “Shaka,” in Africana, the Encyclopedia of the African & African American Experience , ed . Kwame Anthony Appiah, and Henry Louis Gates, Jr., eds., (New York: Oxford University Press, 2005).

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• Corrections

Shaka Zulu: The Life of Africa’s Legendary Warrior King

A powerful and iconic figure, Shaka Zulu turned the tiny Zulu tribe into a great empire.

In the early 19th century, in the region of what is now KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa, a powerful kingdom was born. At its head was the clever but brutal King Shaka. Under his rule, the small and insignificant Zulu tribe came to dominate all other tribes at a time of immense conflict in the area.

He defined and refined Zulu culture as his conquests created a legacy that exists as a powerful link to the Zulu people today.

His story was one of struggle and violence, as well as immense grief, sadness, and insanity.

The Early Life of Shaka

The birth of Shaka was a result of a violation of Zulu tradition. uKuhlobonga was the act of non-penetrative sex, and it served an important function. The practice was believed to wash away the umnyama – darkness or bad omens caused by killing another man. Thus, when Zulu warriors went to or returned from war, uKuhlobonga was a very common act.

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Prince Senzangakhona, chief of the then tiny Zulu tribe, had engaged in uKuhlobonga with a woman named Nandi but had broken tradition and engaged in penetrative sex. To make matters worse, Nandi was from a different tribe, the Elangeni, and engaging in sexual rituals between members of different tribes was also frowned upon.

When Nandi claimed to be pregnant, Prince Senzangakhona dismissed it as an intestinal beetle known as iShaka . As the months passed, it became clear that Nandi was not suffering from an intestinal beetle. When the child was born in 1787, she was sent from her tribe in shame to the Zulu to present her child to Prince Senzangakhona. At first, he denied the child was his, but his uncle pressured him to admit the child as his own, and Prince Senzangakhona relented, admitting he was the father and making Nandi his third wife.

The name Shaka was used in a derogative manner, and as the boy grew up, he was teased and mistreated by Senzangakhona’s other wives and children. Nandi was also the target of distrust and mistreatment.

Despite being the eldest of Senzangakhona’s sons, Shaka would not inherit his father’s title. Shaka’s younger half-brother, Sigujana, would receive that honor.

One day, as an act of revenge, Shaka stood and watched as a dog killed one of Senzangakhona’s sheep. Enraged by Shaka’s inaction, Senzangakhona argued with Nandi and beat Shaka.

Nandi and Shaka left the Zulu tribe and returned to her mother’s tribe, the Elangeni, but they were not welcomed with open arms. The stigma attached to them led them to be treated harshly there too. Nevertheless, they stayed there until 1802, when famine hit the area and forced them to seek help elsewhere.

They took refuge in the mDletsheni clan, which was ruled over by an aging King Jobe of the Mthethwa Paramountcy. Nandi and Shaka were accepted, and Shaka became a cattle herder for the tribe. In 1803, when Shaka was 16 years old, King Jobe died, and his son Dingiswayo ascended the throne.

Under Dingiswayo, the tribe’s focus changed and underwent militarization. Shaka became one of Dingiswayo’s soldiers and showed exceptional ability. Dingiswayo took a liking to this young soldier and promoted him. Shaka eventually became one of Dingiswayo’s generals.

In 1815, King Senzangakhona of the Zulu died after an illness and was succeeded by Shaka’s younger half-brother, Sigujana. He did not reign for long.

With the support of Dingiswayo and the Mthethwa Paramountcy, to which all the tribes in the area belonged, Shaka returned to the Zulu tribe with a regiment of soldiers in tow. He took power in a relatively bloodless coup and had Sigujama put to death. Shaka was now King of the Zulu tribe, which was still a vassal of the Mthethwa Paramountcy.

Shaka Establishes Himself 

Shaka quickly proved himself a capable leader and an asset to the Mthethwa Paramountcy. Although heavily militarized, the Zulu did not always resort to warfare to achieve their goal. The Zulu were still small, and Shaka applied pressure via diplomatic means rather than open conflict. Through this tactic, he allied himself with many of his smaller neighbors, primarily to fend off Ndwandwe raids from the north.

Shaka’s accession to the Zulu throne coincided with a period of immense strife within the region. The Mfecane , as it is known by the Zulu, does not translate well into English, but it roughly translates as “scattering, crushing, forced dispersal, and forced migration.” It is also known as the Difaqane of Lifaqane in Sesotho .

The Mfecane is a widely debated topic, and original academic theories posit that it was a result of Zulu expansion, but the theory has been challenged, and evidence suggests this time of strife started at the end of the 18th century before Shaka became king. There was wholesale slaughter and genocide during this period as the region erupted into war, and initial theories put the death toll at between one and two million people, but this figure has been reduced in modern estimates.

War With Zwide

Within a year of Shaka becoming king of the Zulu, Dingiswayo died, murdered at the hands of King Zwide of the Ndwandwe. The Ndwandwe was a rival nation to the Mthethwa, and a war between the two saw a temporary scattering and a power vacuum left within the Mthethwa nation. Shaka stepped in to fill that vacuum and established reforms to reunite the Mthethwa and strengthen its military. Despite being heavily outnumbered by the Ndwandwe, Shaka took the Zulu army and defeated the Ndwandwe.

He defeated Zwide at Gqokli Hill before clashing with the Ndwandwe again at the Mhlatuze River , which proved to be the critical battle that saw the Ndwandwe completely defeated. The massive superiority of Ndwandwe numbers was mitigated by the river they had to cross, and when their army was evenly split on each side of the river, Shaka launched his attack. This battle proved the effectiveness of Shaka Zulu’s strategies and tactics, which he had implemented.

Shaka used the Bull Horn formation to devastating effect. The Zulu army was deployed with flanks (horns) extending from the main body (chest) of the formation, while behind, the reserves (loins) waited to reinforce any area of the main formation. In an era when battles generally consisted of standing in lines and throwing spears at each other, this tactic was innovative and deadly, especially when coupled with the usage of the iklwa – a short stabbing spear instead of the longer assegai . The iklwa is so named as it represents the sound the spear makes when it is pulled from its victim.

It is difficult to determine exactly how Shaka’s revenge came to fruition, but Zwide managed to escape Shaka’s attempt at capturing him.

Shaka was not empty-handed, however. He had captured Zwide’s mother, a sangoma named Ntombazi. According to legend, he locked her in a house with jackals and hyenas, and after she was savaged, he burned the house to the ground.

The remnants of the Ndwandwe fled to the northwest and gave battle once again in 1825 but were finally crushed by Shaka’s army once and for all.

After the war with the Ndwandwe, Shaka continued to subdue the neighboring tribes, often turning to violent conquest in order to do so.

Shaka Meets with Europeans

White traders arrived in Port Natal in 1824, and by this time, Shaka had established a powerful, centralized monarchy. The two Europeans who set out to meet Shaka were Henry Francis Fynn and Francis Farewell. Henry Francis Fynn would end up spending nine years living in Shaka’s kraal, and the two became good friends.

Meanwhile, Shaka had productive dealings with other Europeans. He was visited by Europeans who wished to establish contact and have peaceful relations with Shaka, and Shaka returned the sentiment. He sent a delegation to Major J. Cloete, the representative of the Cape government at Port Elizabeth (part of the British Empire ). Favorable relations were established, and Shaka showed immense interest in the technology, culture, and trade that the British brought.

Shaka proved to be generous to the British and ceded land to them to establish a settlement in Port Natal. However, Shaka also built large barracks nearby at Dukuza to let them know that they should not take advantage of his generosity.

The Death of Nandi & Shaka’s Insanity

In October 1827, Shaka’s mother, Nandi, died. This triggered a descent into madness for Shaka, and his behavior became violent and erratic, with the Zulu people bearing the brunt of his questionable decisions. He had people executed en masse for not mourning enough, and he sent his armies out to force other tribes to grieve. Women found pregnant at the time of Nandi’s death were also executed, along with their husbands. Cows were even killed so that their calves could feel what it was like to lose their mother.

He banned the planting of crops and the use of milk for an entire year. This formed the basis of the entire Zulu diet, and famine was sure to follow. This destructive behavior generated massive concern within Zulu society, and within the political echelons, a plot was hatched to depose Shaka.

While Shaka’s armies were away, his bodyguard Mbopha, with his half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana, set upon him with their spears, murdering the Zulu king. His body was hastily buried in a grain pit, and Dingane declared himself the new king of the Zulu nation. Under his rule, the Zulu would continue the militaristic tradition founded by Shaka and would come into disastrous conflict with expanding European enterprises.

The Zulu Nation would eventually fall to the British in 1879 and thus have barely half a century of independent rule.

Shaka was a complex man. Hailed as a hero by some, and a villain by others, there is no doubt that he made his mark on South African history and created the foundation for the Zulu nation that exists today.

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The Zulu monarch Shaka was a contemporary of the French emperor Napoleon, and has even been dubbed the ‘African Napoleon’ by some. However, apart from their reputation as great military leaders, history has remembered these two men quite differently. On the one hand, Napoleon, despite the wars he waged across Europe , has been considered by some as an enlightened despot. Shaka, on the other hand, has been remembered more negatively as a ruthless and bloodthirsty madman.

His Name and a Parasite – Shaka’s Beginnings

Those seeking an explanation for Shaka’s brutality may begin with his childhood. According to popular belief, Shaka was an illegitimate child of Senzangakhona kaJama, a minor Zulu chief, and Nandi. It is said that Shaka was conceived when the two engaged in uku-hlobonga , a form of sexual foreplay without penetrative sex that was allowed to unmarried couples.

This was meant to release sexual tension between young people, and prevent pregnancies from happening. In the case of Senzangakhona and Nandi, however, the rules were broken. When Nandi’s pregnancy was discovered, a formal indictment was sent to Senzangakhona. The chief, however, dismissed the news, and said that Nandi’s menstrual irregularity was caused by an intestinal parasite known as the iShaka. Nevertheless, Nandi gave birth several months later, and Senzangakhona was told to collect Nandi and her son. The child was called Shaka, a corruption of the parasite’s name.

As a child, Shaka herded sheep for his father. When the young Shaka allowed a dog to kill one of the sheep, his father was furious. Nandi, however, defended her son. As a result, both mother and son were banished from the kraal (a traditional African village of huts).

A Zulu kraal. (1849). Shaka and his mother Nandi reportedly were banished from their kraal by Shaka’s father. ( Public Domain )

For the next few years, Shaka and his mother wandered from one kraal to another, often treated with abuse and derision. Around 1803, Shaka and his mother finally found refuge in the Mthethwa hegemony, a kraal belonging to the region’s dominant power group. The Mthethwa throne was occupied by King Dingiswayo, who built up a federation of 50 tribes through diplomacy and warfare. It was under this king that Shaka’s fortunes began to take a turn for the better.

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A Turn of Fortunes – Shaka Becomes a Warrior

At the age of 16, Shaka became the king’s senior herd boy due to his intelligence, courage, and resolution. According to one story, Shaka once stood his ground against a leopard attacking the herd. He single-handedly killed the beast, thus earning the praise and a cow from Dingiswayo.

The fierce competition between the cattle herders of the region for the scarce grazing ground meant that conflict was almost inevitable. Dingiswayo prepared for this by organizing his youths into regiments based on their age groups. Shaka was soon recruited as a warrior, and his regiment was known as the Izi-cwe (‘Bushmen’). Shaka was equipped with the standard weapons of that region – an oval shield and three assegais (light spears for throwing). He wore a kilt of fur stripes, a skin cape with black widow-bird plumes, cowhide sandals and white oxtails at the wrist and ankles.     

Sketch of a Zulu warrior wearing traditional clothing and using standard weaponry. (1913) ( Public Domain )

Battles between the tribes of the region at that time usually began with two bodies of warriors facing each other at a distance of between 35 to 45 meters (115 - 148 feet.) Then, each side would cast their light spears at the enemy, and return those that were already hurled. The battle was over when one side had enough and fled. If the victors gave chase, the routing warrior could have their lives spared by dropping their weapons, thus signifying their surrender. This form of combat seemed pointless and ineffective to Shaka, as the light spears that were thrown at a distant foe usually did not do much damage.

A New Way to Battle with a New Weapon

Shaka decided to change the way battles were fought. Instead of hurling spears form a distance, he decided to close in on the enemy and engage in melee combat. When the opponent threw their spears, he would parry them with his shield. Then, he would charge forward, hook the enemy’s shield aside with his own, and stab the warrior to death with his light spear. To make himself a more effective warrior, Shaka discarded his cowhide sandals, as they hampered his movements.

Additionally, Shaka designed a new type of spear for combat, as the light throwing spears were rather fragile when used to strike or stab an enemy. This resulted in a spear with a massive blade attached to a stout, short handle. This was called the iklwa , a reference to the sound made when it was thrust and pulled out from a victim’s body. Shaka is also credited with refining the existing military formation into the now well-known ‘buffalo horns’ formation. This formation consisted of a ‘head’ (main body), ‘horns’ (flanking forces) and ‘loins’ (reserves).

Zulu Warrior with a iklwa spear (designed by Shaka for a bloodier battle). (1898) ( Public Domain )

A Rise to Power for the Increasingly Cruel Shaka Zulu

Over the years, Shaka defeated other chiefs, and enlarged the territory controlled by the Zulus. Shaka also became increasingly brutal and mad. For instance, it is said that he would have his warriors clubbed to death upon the merest sign of weakness.

In addition, those who had treated his mother or him badly in the past were condemned to brutal deaths. Furthermore, he neither took a legal wife nor fathered a son, paranoid that an heir would plot against him. If a concubine became pregnant, she was executed. Thousands of his subjects were massacred when his mother died, so that their families would mourn along with him. Shaka’s madness caused those close to him to fear for their lives.

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How Much of His Story is True?

In 1828, his half-brother, Dingawe, assassinated Shaka, buried the body in an unmarked grave, and assumed the throne.

Although Shaka’s brutality and insanity is well-known today, it is unclear how much of his life story is true. For instance, it has been argued that there is really little evidence to support the veracity of the stories surrounding his birth and childhood.

A muster and dance at Shaka’s kraal. (1827) To an extent Shaka continues to receive the traditional Zulu reverence towards a dead monarch, as in a praise song in which he has been called “Shaka the Unshakeable.” ( Public Domain )

Moreover, as the sources for Shaka’s life are derived from either variable Zulu storytellers or biased white chroniclers of the colonial-era, it may just be possible that his brutality has been exaggerated, and that there may also be a rational explanation for his insanity -  though it now remains lost to history.

Nonetheless, a fascination with Shaka has placed the Zulu leader in the spotlight for several books and even a television series. It was recently announced that the South African The Bomb Productions has begun working on a 12-part series discussing his influences, allies and enemies. Titled ‘ Shaka-Ilembe’, the three planned seasons are said to be created with a global audience in mind. The production company aims for the series to be like an “African "Game Of Thrones" .” The creators have a team of consultants including historians, traditional leaders, oral custodians and royal advisors, with the desire to tell Shaka’s story as accurately as possible.

Featured image: Concept Art for Shaka of the Zulu ( Civilization Wikia )

Updated on January 22, 2021.

References 

Carroll, R., 2006. Shaka Zulu's brutality was exaggerated, says new book. [Online] Available at: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/may/22/rorycarroll.mainsection

HistoryNet Staff, 2006. Shaka: Zulu Chieftain. [Online] Available at: http://www.historynet.com/shaka-zulu-chieftain.htm

South African History Online, 2015. King Shaka Zulu. [Online] Available at: http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/king-shaka-zulu

Whipps, H., 2008. How Shaka Zulu Changed the World. [Online] Available at: http://www.livescience.com/2697-shaka-zulu-changed-world.html

www.history.com , 2015. Shaka Zulu assassinated. [Online] Available at: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/shaka-zulu-assassinated

This page didn't have anything to write about so they dredged up a story with dubious authenticity to fill the space.

I forget the name of the author, but there was a brilliant book written about Shaka many years ago. I think that, like most histories written by the victors, his image was badly tarnished. It is more than likely that a lot of the insane & ferocious acts attributed to him were perpetrated by his commanders in his name. Dingaan, for e.g., would have had a good reason to put a lot of blame for his own cruel acts on Shaka, as he needed to justify his murder of Shaka. But there can be no doubt that Shaka left huge footsteps over the entire Southern African region, and that his Empire's expansion had a chain reaction to events that still shape South Africa today. If not for his warfare the Boer's would have encountered Bantu people in the Free State, instead of finding the area virtually devoid of inhabitants and thus claiming it as their own.

Wu Mingren (‘Dhwty’) has a Bachelor of Arts in Ancient History and Archaeology. Although his primary interest is in the ancient civilizations of the Near East, he is also interested in other geographical regions, as well as other time periods.... Read More

10th January, 2017 in History , Military , Society & Culture

King Shaka’s Zulu

The Zulu nation was founded by King Shaka kaSenzangakhona (the prefix ka meaning ‘son of’), who reigned from 1816 to 1828, and whose nephew Cetshwayo kaMpande was on the throne in 1879. Outside South Africa Shaka has long enjoyed a reputation as a tyrant, a monster of cruelty who murdered his own people on a whim, and whose campaigns of conquest depopulated huge areas of the interior.

This is not the place for a lengthy discussion of the real nature of his rule, but the visitor may be surprised to discover that the view of Shaka prevalent in Zululand today is very different. For those arriving in Durban by air the first clue will be the name of their destination: King Shaka International Airport. From the coast road south of the town of kwaDukuza-Stanger – once the site of the king’s kraal , or base – a sign points to Shaka’s Rock, where the king is said to have sat and contemplated the sea and the invaders that it was bringing to his land. (An alternative story, more in line with the traditional ‘monster’ theme, has it that he threw his enemies from the rock to drown.) In the town itself a memorial marks the spot where he was assassinated. In Durban a major new attraction is uShaka Marine World, situated on King Shaka Avenue. And near Eshowe there is Shakaland, a theme park that offers reconstructions of traditional Zulu life and culture. As long ago as 1994 the king’s new image was the subject of an academic book, Inventing Shaka , by Daphna Golan (Boulder, Colorado), and since then the process has continued. Today, the visitor might well find it hard to discover anyone in Kwazulu-Natal, black or white, who has a bad word to say about him.

Their argument is that the stories of his cruelty were invented or exaggerated by the white traders who wrote about him in order to emphasise their own courage and sell their books, and certainly many of them are old chestnuts, told about countless tyrants throughout history. The undoubted tragedy that the wars of his reign involved for large areas of southern Africa could be seen as an unintended consequence of Zulu success in what were essentially defensive campaigns, and in any case the devastation might have been exaggerated by white men who took advantage of the chaos to seize land. On the other hand, Shaka undoubtedly founded a great nation – admittedly by violent means, but that was hardly unusual in that time and place – and showed himself to be an outstanding military innovator. He was forward thinking in his attitude to European inventions and was interested in such unlikely subjects as the migration of birds. It is even possible that his notorious disapproval of marriage and sexual activity was prompted by a realisation that overpopulation was driving much of the unrest in the region. It is difficult to untangle the reality from the conflicting traditions, and much of what we think we know about Shaka’s life might be mythical in any case, but it is obvious that as a symbol of local pride he continues to extend his influence well beyond the Zulu people themselves.

Extracted from Rorke’s Drift & Isandlwana 187 9 by Chris Peers

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Shaka zulu essay.

A significant amount of myth surrounds the life of the Zulu leader Shaka Zulu, as he is recognized as one of the more popular leaders in African history and is widely known for his conquests in southern Africa. It is difficult to assess when Shaka Zulu was born, but scholars believe he was born sometime between 1781 and 1787. It is also difficult to characterize his upbringing, due to the lack of sources, and therefore historians have difficulty ascertaining whether Shaka was mistreated by his father, Senzangakona, or whether his mother, Nandi, and Senzangakona had a stable relationship, but it can be ascertained that Shaka was conceived out of wedlock.

What is known by historians is that Shaka, as a young warrior, was under the guidance of Dingiswayo, a chief of the Mthethwa, who was instrumental to Shaka’s rise to power. Dingiswayo assisted Shaka in ousting his brothers for control of the Zulu in 1812.

After Shaka came to power, he created a number of alliances with neighboring tribes in order to check the growing power of the Ndwandwe. Aside from these alliances, Shaka also adopted a number of military reforms in order to strengthen the martial power of the Zulus. It is open to debate whether Shaka himself devised these military changes, whether other Africans assisted in these designs, or whether he was influenced by the success of European models. It is known that the changes he initiated helped him to defeat the Ndwandwe. Some of the reforms that he adopted included the exchange of the assegai for a short spear used to stab opponents, ordering his soldiers to fight without sandals in order to increase mobility, and using the “Buffalo Horns” formation, which primarily consisted of the right and left flanks surrounding the bulk of the opponent’s army, while the center was used as the main thrust against the enemy.

Shaka was eager to learn about European culture, and he was fascinated by Christianity. He was also interested in learning how to read and write. He had an intermediary named Jakot who traveled between the Zulu and the Europeans to provide Shaka with information regarding the foreigners. From the news that he received, Shaka was able to make comparisons on various aspects of European and Zulu societies. The information he acquired regarding the power of Britain troubled Shaka, as he became concerned that the British might initiate a war against him and the Zulu. This concern may have prompted Shaka to send a diplomatic mission to King George in 1828, which proved relatively fruitless.

European perceptions of Shaka Zulu are complex and difficult to ascertain. This is particularly true when examining the writings of James Saunders King, who wrote articles for the South African Commercial Advertiser concerning the characteristics of Shaka Zulu. The article that was published by King on July 11, 1826, noted the hospitality that the Zulu leader extended towards others, but another article published the following week noted Shaka’s tyrannical nature.

Shaka fought a number of wars to gain supremacy in southern Africa, battling the Ndwandwe tribe a number of times. Shaka was forced to contend with the Ndwandwe, under the leadership of Zwide, in a number of battles, including the Battle of Gqokli Hill in 1818, where Shaka defeated a numerically superior Ndwandwe force, and another engagement on the Mhlatuze River. After the latter battle, the Zulu were able to demolish Zwide’s kraal, forcing Zwide to flee from Shaka’s grasp, but Zwide did not long survive the destruction of his army, and he was later killed. Despite the fact that Shaka defeated the Ndwandwe tribe, he was forced to confront them again in 1826 when Zwide’s son, Sikhunyane, rose to power and became a threat to Shaka. Shaka quickly dealt with this threat, attacking the Ndwandwe encampment that was situated in the vicinity of the Intombi River and slaughtering a significant number of Ndwandwe warriors. Following this victory, Shaka took possession of 60,000

Ndwandwe cattle and killed the Ndwandwe women and children in the vicinity, ending the Ndwandwe threat to his rule.

Following Shaka’s victory over the Ndwandwe, an event occurred that contributed to the downfall of the Zulu leader: His mother died. Nandi’s death in 1827 greatly affected Shaka Zulu, as illustrated by the terms of mourning that he initiated following her death. He stipulated that milk was not to be extracted from cows for drinking, nor were the Zulu permitted to grow crops, threatening the Zulu with starvation. He also stipulated that women who were discovered to be with child within one year of Nandi’s death were to be executed along with their husbands.

Nandi’s death resulted in the deaths of many of the Zulu, as Shaka executed people for not following his terms of mourning or for not attending to him at the time of his mother’s death. Even after he ended the terms for the period of mourning, the continuation of this erratic behavior continued in 1828. His unpredictability is illustrated by the fact that he killed 300 women, some of whom were the wives of the leaders of Zulu regiments, while his warriors were absent.

Shaka’s bizarre behavior led conspirators to plot his assassination. It is not exactly known when Shaka died, but the best estimates claim September 1828. The assassination was a result of a plot between his half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana and a man named Mbopa, who was Shaka’s head domestic servant. The three men were encouraged to act by Mkabayi, the sister of Senzangakona, who asserted the belief that Shaka was implicated in the death of his mother.

It is impossible to know for certain whether Mkabayi believed this or if she wanted Shaka dead for ulterior motives. After Shaka was killed, a civil war ensued, as Dingane was forced to contend with pro-Shaka forces and his half-brother Mpande, who was able to acquire the assistance of the Boers and the British settlers in southern Africa, in order to consolidate his grasp on the Zulu. Dingane failed to subdue all of his opponents, and Mpande was successful in overthrowing his half-brother and becoming the leader of the Zulu in 1840.

Bibliography:

• Mofolo, Thomas. Chaka, the Zulu. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1949;
• Morris, Donald. The Washing of the Spears: A History of the Rise of the Zulu Nation under Shaka and Its Fall in the Zulu War of 1879. London: Cape, 1966;
• Ritter, E. A. Shaka Zulu: the Rise of the Zulu Empire. London: Longmans, Green, 1955;
• Roberts, Brian. The Zulu Kings. London: Hamilton, 1974.

This example Shaka Zulu Essay is published for educational and informational purposes only. If you need a custom essay or research paper on this topic please use our writing services. EssayEmpire.com offers reliable custom essay writing services that can help you to receive high grades and impress your professors with the quality of each essay or research paper you hand in.

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History Grade 10 - Topic 4 Source-based Questions

Transformations in southern Africa after 1750

Source Based Questions

The following exercise has been taken from the 2012 History Grade 10 Exemplar. [1]

Define the term “Mfecane” in the context of the start of the nineteenth century. (1 x 2)

The Zulu term “Mfecane” is translated as “crushing” in English, however the term is broadened to include the dispersal or forced migration of people. [3] Historians use the term Mfecane to describe the political disruption and mass migration of people during the start of the nineteenth century in Southern Africa. [4]

According to Source A, what impact did the Mfecane have on the Northern Nguni population in Natal? (1 x 2)

According to Source A the Mfecane caused division as well as the unification of the Northern Nguni population. Those who accepted Shaka Zulu’s rule were integrated into his kingdom and became united and strong. However, not everyone wanted to be subjects of Shaka Zulu and attempting to maintain their autonomy they fled to other parts of Southern Africa.

According to Source A, how did Shaka Zulu maintain control over his kingdom?  (1x3)

Shaka Zulu was the main ruler of his kingdom, however he did have a group of advisors who could give him insight on matters of national importance. Shaka also made sure that his orders were followed and maintained control over his kingdom by using a “second tier of indunas” otherwise known as “minor chiefs” to ensure that his commands were adhered to. Shaka gave these chiefs power to allot the land that were community property of the entire kingdom.

This source focuses on one of the reasons for the Mfecane (Difaqane). It gives a traditional view of King Shaka as the leader of the Zulus.

2.1. Using source B, describe the impact of Shaka Zulu’s Mfecane. (2x4)

Source B describes the violence and bloodshed of Shaka Zulu’s reign alongside the forced migration that occurred due to Shaka’s goal to enlarge and enrich his kingdom. Shaka destroyed tribes, such as the Ndwandwe group and incorporated them in his own army and the AmaZulu group he became leader of after the death of his father. He continued to pillage the lands and cattle of other independent chieftainships till he conquered them and subjected them to his rule. By doing this Shaka united many chieftainships under his rule, which empowered and enriched his Zulu nation. However, Shaka’s Mfecane threatened the existence of various chieftainships and while others willingly became incorporated into his group, others fought to the death or fled, becoming victims of a forced migration to Southern Africa.

2.2. Why does this source describe Shaka Zulu as a cruel tyrant? (1x2)

After his mother’s death Shaka executed many of his people. This is believed to have been done to mourn her death, however it is unclear whether there was a political reason for their execution.

3.1. Compare Source B and C. How is Shaka portrayed in these two sources? (2x4)

In Source B Shaka is described as a cruel tyrant who possibly executed his own people to mourn the death of his mother. While they are uncertain about whether this is completely accurate, they do still indicate that if this was the case he did kill a lot of people for no reason. He is also described as focused on enriching and empowering himself and his kingdom at the cost of other African groups lives while those who survived were either dispersed or forced to become a loyal subject to Shaka Zulu.

In Source C the author states that he does not view Shaka as this “pathological mass murderer” that is clearly sketched in Source B. While the source does indicate that Shaka was a strong ruler, who did were shrewd and skillful, the author argues that Shaka had justifiable political and judicial reasons for killing people.

Ultimately, both sources show uncertainty about Shaka’s reasons for killing his people. Source B leans more towards Shaka being a cruel tyrant, while Source C argues that this is most likely not the case. Rather Shaka was a wise ruler who sentenced people to death for political reasons.

He is Shaka the Unshakeable,

Thunderer-while-sitting,

Son of Menzi,

He is the bird that preys on other birds,

The battle-axe that excels over other battle-axes.

He is the long-strided pursuer,

son of Ndaba,

Who pursued the sun and the moon.

He is the great hubbub like the rocks of Nkandla

Where elephants take shelter

When the heavens frown...

(translated by Ezekiel Mphahlale)

See footnote for origin of the source [7]

4. 1 How is Shaka Zulu remembered in this praise song? (2x3)

Shaka Zulu is remembered as a very strong warrior, since he is the “bird that preys on other birds” [8] and the “battle-axe that excels over other battle-axes”. [9] He is also remembered as an ambitious leader, since the lyrics state that he “pursued the sun and the moon”. [10] Lastly, Shaka’s kingdom and leadership is remembered as steadfast and secure, since he is viewed as the “great hubbub like the rocks of Nkandla” [11] , which reinforces the first line of the lyrics that states that he is “Shaka the Unshakeable.” [12]

This content was originally produced for the SAHO classroom by Ilse Brookes, Amber Fox-Martin & Simone van der Colff

[1] The Western Cape Education Department, South Africa, “History Grade 10 2012 Exemplar,” Accessed 20 September 2020, Available at: http://www.wcedcurriculum.westerncape.gov.za/jdownloads/History/Downloads/history_gr_10_exemplar_2012_eng.pdf

[2] The Department of Basic Education South Africa, “National Senior Certificate: Grade 10 History Exemplar 2012 Addendum”, (Uploaded: November 2012), (Accessed: 5 August 2020), Available at: https://learn.mindset.africa/sites/default/files/resourcelib/emshare-exam-resource/History%20GR%2010%20Exemplar%202012%20Addendum%20Eng.pdf

[3] Alistair Boddy-Evans, “The Mfecane in South Africa”, ThoughtCo, (Uploaded: 1 September 2018), (Accessed: 5 August 2020), Available at: https://www.thoughtco.com/what-was-the-mfecane-43374

[5] The Department of Basic Education South Africa, “National Senior Certificate: Grade 10 History Exemplar 2012 Addendum”, (Uploaded: November 2012), (Accessed: 5 August 2020), Available at: https://learn.mindset.africa/sites/default/files/resourcelib/emshare-exam-resource/History%20GR%2010%20Exemplar%202012%20Addendum%20Eng.pdf

[6] The Department of Basic Education South Africa, “National Senior Certificate: Grade 10 History Exemplar 2012 Addendum”, (Uploaded: November 2012), (Accessed: 5 August 2020), Available at: https://learn.mindset.africa/sites/default/files/resourcelib/emshare-exam-resource/History%20GR%2010%20Exemplar%202012%20Addendum%20Eng.pdf

[7] Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Praise Song”, Encyclopaedia Britannica, (Uploaded: 20 July 1998), (Accessed: 5 August 2020), Available at: https://www.britannica.com/art/praise-song

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A Study of Shaka Zulu and His Influence on Modern Zimbabwe

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Published: Mar 14, 2019

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