Tshaka's aims as a ruler
- He wanted to be feared and be respected.
- Total war.
- To create a large standing army.
- To create a disciplined army.
- To unite all Nguni people.
- To promote Zulu pride.
- To create a rich state.
- To be a dictator. To revenge.
- Territorial expansion.
- To gain personal glory. Revenge.
Tshaka's rise to power
- Tshaka was the son of Zulu chief Senzangakona.
- His mother was Nandi, a Langeni woman.
- Senzangakona disowned Tshaka and his mother.Nandi took Tshaka and lived with the Langeni.
- Tshaka’s backgroung shaped his character.
- His age mates laughed at him.Refused to give him milk-Tshaka had no friends.
- Tshaka became a brave young boy , cold hearted and only loved Nandi his mother.
- He joined Dingiswayo’s army part of Mtetwa army.
- He showed bravery skills so he was promoted to lead his own regiment.
- Dingiswayo’s reforms were important these reforms benefited Tshaka eg the idea of age regiment, the cowhorn formation.
- Tshaka was a product of the Mfecane. Trained Tshaka
- Promoted Tshaka to lead one of the regiments.
- Dingiswayo helped Tshaka to kill Sigujana after the death of Senzangakona.Sigujana was Tshaka’s half brother.
- Tshaka became the Zulu king after killing Sigujana.
Tshaka's military reforms
- The army used the assegai. It was a short spear that was used to stab the enemy.
- Assegai replaced the long spear.
- Long shields were used for defence.
- Cow horn formation-encircled the enemy.
- Soldiers fought barefooted to increase speed.
- Training was tough eg soldiers trained in thorny and rock areas.
- Mock battles were used to prepare the army.
- Tshaka banned circumcision and initiation ceremonies. Young men formed regiment called Fasimba.It stayed at Bulawayo(Tshaka’s headquaters)
- He created a larg standing army.
- No marriage of Zulu men till the age of 40 years.
- Soldiers who lost the assegai were killed .
- Soldiers were killed for having wounds at the back.
- Spies were used to study the enemy.
- Zulu soldiers used surprise attacks eg at dawn.
- Tshaka appointed brave and loyal soldiers to be Indunas.
- Soldiers were doctored by traditional doctors.
- Army was fed on tender meat.
Tshaka's political system
- He was a dictotor.
- He was the army commander.
- Promoted brave and loya soldiers. Highest judge.
- Tshaka killed rain makers- he was a religios leaders.
- Tshaka appointed and dismissed indunas.
- He distributed land.
- Groups which were defeated paid tribute
- Spirit mediums solved succession disputes
- Female relatives were sent to live in the provinces- They gave info to Tshaka.
- Loan cattle brought followers.
- The inxala ceremony brought unity.
- People from all coners gathered.
- Offers beer to ancestors.
- A sign of loyalty.
- The king displayed his millitary power of the state.
- Showed the wealth of the King.
- The inkatha was the symbol of the Zulu state.
- The army was important in political system.
- Kingship was hereditary.
By: T.Titus Nyakudyara
Twitter: @NyakudyaraTitus
