Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Challenging Imperialism: Shaka of the Zulus

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka

"Strike an enemy once and for all. Let him cease to exist as a tribe, or he will live to fly at your throat again." 

      A Quote from one of the most famous Africans. According to the diary of H.F. Flynn, Shaka voiced this edict to his ally Dingiswayo concerning a defeated enemy. These words certainly summarized Shaka's philosophy. Bastard son of a tribal chieftain, Shaka kaSenzangahona would oust his half-brother in 1816 AD to claim leadership of the Zulus. He is credited with unifying the Nguni tribes into the Zulu Kingdom. Although called a military genius for his reforms and innovations, he has also been condemned for the brutality of his reign. Whatever the judgment, Shaka laid the foundation for an imposing Zulu state. Upon his assassination in 1828, the Zulu were poised to challenge even the Europeans for control of southern Africa.

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