Shaka Zulu

"Women who bear children must exist in Zululand only."

—Shaka Zulu declaring his genocidal intentions

Shaka Zulu (1787-1828) was an enormously important leader of the Zulu tribe. He transformed the Zulu nation, but caused enormous damage and destruction throughout southern Africa.

History

Shaka Zulu was the most influential Zulu leader ever, known for his weaponry and reformation of Zulu battle tactics, the fundamental transformation of the Zulu military, the "bull's head" battle formation, and his iklwa spear. Shaka's father was the leader of the Zulu tribe; his mother was a princess from the rival eLangeni tribe. Shaka instituted massive reforms, transforming the Zulus from a minor tribe into a massive empire filled with excellent soldiers he took by crushing other tribes in battle. He also imposed incredibly strict rules on his forces; any soldier who forgot or lost their weapon or had a lover was executed. In 1823, Shaka eradicated a majority of southeasten Africa. Its estimated he murdered upto two million peole (most in mass exercutions) to build his empire.

In 1827, Shaka's mother passed away, and he went ballistic. Some 7000 Zulus were killed, including pregnant women and their husbands, and even livestock were butchered by Shaka and his agents. Shaka continued to go more an more insane, declaring war after war and turning on his alies. He put the Zulu culture in jeopardy by attacking the European Settlers, despite years of trying to build good relationships between the two. Shaka was eventually assasinated by his half-brothers Dingane and Mhlangana. A chieftain with so much promise ended up into madness and rage had finally come to a bloody end.