Shaka Zulu

Shaka was Zulu chief from 1818 – 1828. He changed the face of southern Africa by setting in motion the ‘mfecane’ and uniting the Zulu clans.

The mfecane  or ‘the crushing’  saw a period of warfare and forced migrations. Zulu warriors, led by Shaka conquered and subjugated those in their path and forced rival tribes to migrate.

Within a year Shaka quadrupled his subjects and had a growing, well-organised fighting force.
Shaka’s domain extended over what is now the South African province of Natal.

As other tribes were displaced they formed new kingdoms including the Basotho nation and Gaza Empire. New kingdoms stretched from Cape Province to Tanzania.

Shaka was assassinated by his half-brother Dingane, in 1828. He was 41 years old.

Shaka was a fierce Zulu king who is thought to have contributed to the deaths of over a million people. In the 1987 movie Shaka Zulu, he is dubbed ‘The Most Savage Warrior of All Time.’