The name Shaka Zulu has become synonymous with battle. His army devastated anyone who stood in his way. But there's more to Shaka than the image of the cruel conqueror. DW spoke to historian Maxwell Shamase who says Shaka's legacy has been misrepresented. African Roots, a DW series on figures who shaped African history, brings you five portraits of mythical founding figures who, in one way or the other, left a lasting legacy for their nations. Part four.
A lot has been said about Shaka Zulu. When it comes to sorting fact from fiction, Doctor Maxwell Zakhele Shamase is an authority. Together with Mthandeni Patrick Mbatha, the historian from the University of Zululand is currently writing a book about the man behind the legend.
DW: Why write a book about Shaka Zulu?
Maxwell Shamase: There is very little that has been written about King Shaka from the African perspective. Some of the things written by non-Africans are factually incorrect. We want to tell the story from an African position.
How would you describe King Shaka?
Before Shaka was born, a prophetess by the name Sithayi, prophesied that ‘a child will be born who will bring about a new order and a new nation.' He was a military genius in Africa. He was a nation builder and not a blood thirsty killer. He was not a ruthless assassin.
When and where was Shaka born?
He was born in July 1787 among the eLangeni people where his mother originated from.
Where did Shaka Zulu get his name?
His father was Senzangakhona. His mother was Princess Nandi of the Mhlongo royal family who lived at a place called eLangeni. The name Shaka originated from a disease called ‘ishaka.' This disease caused women bodies to be sore, lazy and to bulge. When his mother, who was not married at the time, became pregnant, people thought she was suffering from ishaka. This is how Shaka got this name.
So, he was Shaka kaSenzangakhona, with Senzangakhona being his father. In those days your father's name became your surname. Shaka's grandfather's name was Zulu. When he became king, Shaka said, let us have an identity and call ourselves Zulu people. He was the first to call his people ‘Zulu people', hence he is known as the founder of the Zulu nation despite the fact that he inherited an already existing throne.
Did Shaka's father, Senzangakhona, accept his paternity?
He tried to deny it because he was afraid of his father, King Zulu. For a heir apparent like Senzangakhona to impregnate a girl before marriage was an embarrassment and could attract harsh punishments including losing his right to ascend to the throne. His family later owned up and Senzangakhona paid the bride price which enabled Nandi to move into Senzangakhona's family.