Tag: The  origins of the  Mfecane

Perhaps as a response to foreign intrusions in southern Africa, Shaka of the Zulu, and Nguni clan, set about creating a centralized militaristic state in the early 19thcentury. Surrounding peoples who did not voluntarily agree to absorptions in the growing Zulu empire had no option but to flee for survival. Three of these groups were to make a forceful impact on Zambia, 1500 km to the north of the Zulu heartland in eastern South Africa. One of these was a Sotho clan from today’s Orange Free State: its leader was Sebitwane and he named his people Kololo after his favorite wife. Another was Mzilikazi, one of Shaka’s generals who quarreled with him and moved away. After being defeated by the Dutch settlers in the Transvaal, he and his Ndebele invaded and conquered Western Zimbabwe.