Shaka << SHAK uh >> (1787?-1828) was a great Zulu leader who founded a powerful kingdom in southern Africa. He was born to Senzangakona, a Zulu chief, and Nandi, a Langeni woman. At about age 22, he joined the army of Dingiswayo, king of the Mthethwa << uhm TAY twah >> people. About 1816, his father died, and Shaka overthrew his elder half-brother Singukana to become leader of the Zulu. About 1818, Dingiswayo was murdered. Shaka then incorporated Dingiswayo’s kingdom into the growing Zulu empire.
Shaka revolutionized warfare in southern Africa. He perfected a crescent-shaped battle formation, sometimes called cow’s horns, which he used to encircle the enemy. He invented a short stabbing spear for close combat. His disciplined army conquered much of the present-day South African province of KwaZulu-Natal.
After his mother died in 1827, Shaka ordered strict mourning practices that led to violence in which thousands were killed. Many of his supporters then turned against him. On Sept. 22, 1828, he was assassinated by two of his half-brothers and a servant.
