Zulus

The Zulus - Thorn in the Colonial Side

It's a culture that in the nineteenth century earned the grudging respect of the world's foremost imperial and military power and that even today is synonymous with pride and resistance. It is perhaps best known for Shaka, the ambitious and brilliant leader, and its name - Zulu - roles easily off the western tongue.

Zulu, in fact, was the name of the son of a sixteenth century chief who settled in the region of present day KwaZulu-Natal on South Africa's east coast. More than two hundred years later, in the early 1800s, the descendants of this man, having adopted his name to represent their clan, consisted of about 1500 people who fell firmly under the control of Dingiswayo, a powerful leader who had systematically begun to absorb the smaller clans of the region who he had defeated in combat. In turn however, Shaka, who had distinguished himself in Dingiswayo's army, became chief of the Zulu and set about engaging in a similar process, only this time transforming his small chiefdom into what was to become a ruthless army that paved the way for the emergence of the Zulu nation and its domination of the region.

Military Genius

Shaka was something of a military genius but inevitably, after a dramatic fashion, time-honoured amongst the world's monarchies, he was assassinated by his half brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana. They in turn quarrelled, with Dingane assuming leadership of the Zulu. Dingane lacked Shaka's military and leadership skills however and the cracks in the kingdom began to show as rebel chiefs broke away. These cracks were exacerbated by armed conflict with the newly arrived Voortrekkers (pioneers of Dutch extraction who comprise today's Afrikaners) and ultimately Dingane was killed by the army of Mpande, his remaining half brother, who in turn succeeded to the monarchy and ruled the Zulu nation from 1840 to 1872. The shrewd politician Mpande was succeeded by his son (and Shaka's nephew) Cetshwayo and the subsequent growth of military pride and strength, coupled with resurgence in nationalism led the Zulus and the colonial power of Britain down the road to war.
The first clash happened at Isandlwana in 1879 where the Zulu nation inflicted the heaviest defeat the British had until then suffered in the colonies. Given the disparities between the two opposing powers the cessation of conflict in Britain's favour six months later is perhaps unsurprising. It had been no small hiccup though and the Colonial Office immediately initiated their policy of ‘divide and rule' by splitting the power of the king between 13 chiefdoms. It was only in 1950 that the white Nationalist government restored the paramount authority of the king, but then, and even now, the powers of the king were largely symbolic.

The Modern Zulu

Today the Zulu stronghold remains in the northern reaches of KwaZulu-Natal, an area still known as Zululand. Their garrulous and lively culture permeates life there and is obvious at CC Africa's Phinda Private Game Reserve where the majority of the staff are Zulu. Dumi Mpanza, a ranger at Phinda Mountain Lodge, has written on the Zulu medicinal and traditional uses of plants in the CC Africa ‘Ecological Journal' and visitors to the area, while perhaps not being tempted into trying the local Marula beer or Ilala Palm wine, might instead visit a Sangoma (a traditional diviner) or simply a school in the local community. The two villages neighbouring the reserve, Mduku and Mnqobokazi, are in fact the homes of the vast majority of the staff and a number of development projects, such as a clinic, classrooms, an environmental centre and creche facilities have been implemented by both CC Africa and the Africa Foundation in the ten years spanning the company's involvement in the area. Another important project supported by the Phinda rangers is that of community bird guides in the nearby Nibela and Muzi areas. Here birders, with the help of dedicated and skilled local guides, can see sought after species like the Rosy-throated Longclaw and the Pel's Fishing-Owl. What better way to conserve the local cultural and environmental heritage?

- Chris Roche -

Posted: Other by CC Africa, Date: 21 November 2006