KwaZulu –Natal: A brief background 2
In my last post about the Zulu people (amaZulu) I spoke about their progenitor, Malandela and his arrival at Babanango with his small group. I thought that in this post I will expand a bit on the origin of this clan.
The land into which they came may be called Nguniland at this time, as the country was inhabited by various family groups or clans. The Zulu clan which was later in our history to play such an important role did not exist at this time. Malandela’s wife Nozinja had at least two sons, Qwabe and Zulu. They also speak of a loyal man servant Mpungose who stood by the clan and his descendants still form the Mpungose clan today.
Sons of Zulu - Aubrey Elliott pgs 15-16
Map of Zululand
Image
The tribal stories tell that Malandela passed away and joined his ancestors. The two sons and the mother continued to amass cattle but after a while Qwabe moved away to strike out on his own. Zulu remained with his mother and they slowly built up a herd of white cattle. After a number of years Qwabe heard of their good fortune and decided to move back with an eye on the growing cattle herd and his position as first born obviously playing a large part in his decision. Nozinja realised what was happening and saw the rift developing in the family decided to move away from the area with Zulu and their man servant Mpungose. They moved to the hills beyond Melmoth and settled in the hilly area around the White Umfolozi.
White Cattle
Euphorbia Tree
The Zulu clan prospered in this region and their clan chiefs were buried with euphorbia trees marking the spot. For a long time they were only one clan among many. Subsequent chiefs, Punga, Mageba. Ndaba, Jama and Senzangakona fill out the history to our next big figure, Shaka.
Zulu Kraal
Before going on to Shaka, I would like to make it clear that from the time I am beginning this history, the beginning of the eighteenth century, there were many clans in what we now call KwaZulu Natal. As the clans moved south, some clans merged and others split off. Many clans had the same types of origin as the Zulu. The Sibiyas and the Buthelezis were formed. The Mabasos settled along the banks of the Mzinyathi river and the Chunu moved further down along the Bufallo river and were renowned blacksmiths, to name but a few.
Shaka's Country - TV Bulpin pgs 2-3
At this time the Nguni clans were in a state of flux, it would be interesting to know what caused these migrations of peoples. Was it climate related or were stronger forces from the north displacing them?
One thing is sure, the Zulu peoples were destined to have a huge influence on the region and their military prowess would reach through to almost modern times and end up clashing with the British Empire at Isandlwana.
Battle of Isandlwana
For part one see:
https://steemit.com/zulu/@petruska13/kwazulu-natal-a-brief-background-1
Great post @petruska13, was waiting for part 2.
Glad you enjoyed it, it will be a multi-parter. Shaka will be an interesting topic.
I am eager to read the Shaka one, If I may suggest you do a stand alone one for Shaka ;)
I am planning to. :)
@tippy vote