King Mzilikazi Kamashobane By Nthebe Molope

This story of history is packed in a 366-page book comprised of four parts and eight chapters, of which the Executive summary is given hereunder.

PART 1 – FROM FOREIGN SEAS TO MFECANE / DIFAQANE: Comprises two chapters and provides a link between the developments in Europe and how the quest for power from different European countries (especially slavery) into Africa ended up impacting developments in South Africa. These developments later lead to enslavement, conflicts and even the concept of Mfecane / Difaqane.

PART 2 – SURGE IN THE EAST COAST AND THE RISE OF MZILIKAZI: In the next two chapters a link is made between the previous chapters and how this leads to formation of various defensive states including that in the East Coast and subsequently resulting in the emergence of Shaka and later Mzilikazi. These two major characters make up a formidable force but later have a fall-out which leads to Mzilikazi quitting Zululand.

PART 3 – THE AFTERMATH OF AN EXORCISED MZILIKAZI, A NEW LEAF IS TURNED: Mzilikazi is pushed out of the country by the Boers with the help of Barolong, he crosses into Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and subsequently Zimbabwe where he continues to rule to his last day and is buried and mourned as hero and man who established Matebeleland. The beginning of the problematic rule of Mzilikazi’s son -Lobengula.

PART 4 – THE KINGDOM MIGRATES NO FURTHER: Zimbabwe becomes the last country to which Mzilikazi has moved and a new era begins with the arrival of colonial powers. Cecil Rhodes tricks Lobengula, topples him, dismantles the seat of power and exiles the Khumalo royal house whilst abolishing traditional powers just as the British had done in Zululand.

“This is a massive work on a great African leader. Molope has done meticulous research and delivered a very comprehensive account of King Mzilikazi KaMashoane . I have nothing but praise for this work”- Professor Sabelo J. Ndlovu-Gatsheni Chair of Epistemologies of the Global South.