Zulu State

Tshaka's aims as a ruler

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.

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.