Zulu Men In Traditional Garb
The KwaZulu-Natal Midlands were the scene of many bloody battles between the Zulu people and foreign settles, more specifically the Boers and English. The earliest known visitors to South Africa were the Phoenician mariners from Egypt in 610 BC. However, it was only when the Portuguese explorers arrived that the name “Natal” was given to this part of South Africa. The actual Portuguese name was “Terra Natalis” which means “after the birth of our Lord.” Indigenous Africans also from Central Africa came to settle in South Africa, bringing cattle with them.
The Portuguese used Mossel Bay as a point of trade and a place to rest and replenish before travelling again. Eventually, there were mixed marriages and business transactions wherein the foreigners would buy land to settle down on.
In the early 1800s, the British arrived really by accident because of a storm, and Natal became their anchor. They “discovered” Natal and began to also engage in trading and the buying of land.
The Legend of Shaka Zulu
Shaka Zulu was a warrior-leader who accomplished great things for his people (often referred to as “nation” or tribe). Although he died in the 1800s, many South Africans still call him a living legend, perhaps because he continues to inspire South Africans to fight for their rights.
Shaka kaSenzangakhona, his real name, is the founder of the Zulu empire. His entire life was spiced with intrigue, drama, and greatness. Even in his death, which was at the hands of his 2 half-brothers, Shaka Zulu is remembered for his prophecy that the white settlers would end up ruling on African soil. His reported final words before he died are, “Are you stabbing me, kings of the earth? You will come to an end through killing one another.”
His story begins with a mother who was a member of the Lengani Royal clan, and a father, the king of Zulu. At that time, the Zulu were a small clan who migrated from the north and settled in the Drakensberg Mountains. Shaka Zulu was called an intestinal beetle when he was in his mother’s womb by elders of the clan.
His childhood was not blissful at all even being from royal blood. His beautiful mother was sharp-tongued and hated by many including his father. But Shaka loved his mother dearly. They were banished by the clan and had to live a life of humiliation and despair. Shaka was forced to abandon his childhood and mature early. At this point, the legends began to be told of Shaka killing a hyena and saving a girl, or of doing other acts of bravery. When he grew up, he became an expert in the use of the spear and in battle. Shaka was very impressive and determined as a soldier, and was eventually made a leader of a small group. His battles were epic and true to the form of a cultural-hero.
He returned to Zululand as a war hero and the legitimate heir to the Zulu throne. He challenged the appointed ruler and won. Finally, he was in the right place as leader of the Zulu clan. But his life as king was not easy. He had enemies in every corner but he slowly won the respect of the Zulu people with his fairness and bravery. Promotion was based on merit, neither name nor power. His decisions were always fair and the soldiers grew braver by his example. Although relatively little is known about Shaka (that is, what is factual and what is myth), his legend is ultimately about fighting fairly even in the face of all adversity.