Shaka was the legendary South African king best known for uniting many warring tribes to establish the Zulu Empire in the early 1800s. His life has been immortalized many times in both TV shows and movies portrayed as a driven leader who attempted to band South African tribes together to fight against the Europeans bent on conquering their lands.
But in reality, the systemic colonization of South Africa only began 20+ years after his death and his kingdom sadly only lasted about 50 years. Born in 1787 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Shaka’s father, Senzangakhona, was the chief of the Zulus, while his devoted mother Nandi was from another clan. They were not considered married in their tribal customs, and mother and son were soon cast out since the son was illegitimate.
They sought refuge with the Mthethwa clan, led by a powerful chief named Dingiswayo where Shaka trained as a warrior. From a very young age, it was evident that Shaka was a born leader and would also become a fierce warrior. Not only was he strong, but also a strategic thinker and ruthless to his enemies.