Political Transformations and the Rise of the Zulu and Ndwandwe Kingdoms (1750–1835)

Political Landscape and Regional Shifts (1750–1850)

  • Between 1750 and 1850, dramatic developments transformed African societies through warfare and upheaval in the south-east coastal areas and western highveld.

  • Key shifts in the 1820s and 1830s included the absorption of chiefdoms, the development of new kingdoms, and the displacement of populations to other regions of southern Africa.

The Ndwandwe Kingdom under Zwide

  • The Ndwandwe kingdom, ruled by King Zwide, was located south of Delagoa Bay between the Phongola and Black Mfolozi rivers.

  • Factors contributing to Ndwandwe power and hostility:

    • Economic transition: A rapid growth in the ivory trade (1750s-1760s) shifted to a decline (1790s-1800s), causing conflict over resources.

    • Cattle demand: Foreign sailors and the Portuguese trading station (established 1782) increased demand for meat.

    • Conflict escalation: The establishment of a Portuguese garrison in 1799 intensified regional tensions.

  • Military reorganization: Zwide strengthened state control by placing fighting-age men into regiments, allowing the Ndwandwe to raid neighbors for cattle and establish tributaries.

Conflict and the Fragmentation of Kingdoms

  • The main rival to Zwide was King Dingiswayo of the Mthethwa kingdom.

  • Chronology of the Ndwandwe decline:

    • 1818: Zwide defeated the Mthethwa and executed Dingiswayo.

    • 1820: Zwide attacked the Zulu kingdom; Shaka's forces avoided destruction by destroying grain stocks and retreating south.

    • 1820: Zikode broke away from Zwide to establish the Gaza kingdom in Mozambique.

    • Early 1820s: The Ndwandwe drove away Mzilikazi and the Khumalo chiefdom, who later formed the Ndebele kingdom.

    • 1826: The Ndwandwe kingdom under Zwide was ultimately defeated by the Zulu, leading to its total break-up.

The Rise and Death of Shaka Zulu

  • Shaka originally led the small Zulu clan as a tribute-payer to Dingiswayo and a soldier in the Mthethwa regiments.

  • Following Dingiswayo's death, Shaka built a powerful Zulu state using sophisticated military tactics and strict discipline.

  • Assassination (1828): Shaka was killed by his half-brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana, during a lapse in security.

  • Burial accounts differ: Sources describe him being buried either in a stone-filled tomb or an empty corn pit bundled in ox-hide.

Consolidation under King Dingane

  • After killing Shaka and his co-conspirator Mhlangana, Dingane became king.

  • Governance: He secured the loyalty of the amabutho (fighting regiments) by allowing senior members to marry and providing them with cattle.

  • Residence: Established the main royal residence at Umgungundlovu.

Questions & Discussion

  • According to Source A, which chiefdom has always been emphasised in the 'time of troubles' in southern Africa?

  • According to source A, which chiefdom does the historian John Wright suggest needs to be taken into account as a topic in its own right?

  • According to Source B, why did the Ndwandwe move?

  • What fact does each source regarding Shaka's death have in common?

  • Which facts do the sources differ on regarding Shaka's death?

  • To what extent are these sources reliable and useful?

  • Explain why it is difficult for historians to find out exactly how Shaka was killed.