Cetshwayo (1826-1884) was a Zulu leader. He reestablished the Zulu as a strong military force in southern Africa.
Cetshwayo was born in Eshowe, southern Africa. In 1856, he defeated his half-brother Mbulazi. Cetshwayo was installed as heir to his father, Mpande, in 1861. He was formally crowned king of the Zulu in 1873.
Most of the colonists of Natal were afraid of a strong and independent Zululand. In January 1879, British and colonial forces invaded Zululand. In July 1879, during the Anglo-Zulu War, Cetshwayo’s army was defeated at the Battle of Ulundi. Cetshwayo was sent to Robben Island near Cape Town as a prisoner. He appealed for justice to the United Kingdom’s Queen Victoria, and in 1882, he was permitted to travel to London. As a result, he was partially reinstated in 1883. He was attacked by a rival chief, Usibepu, and was forced to flee to Eshowe, where he died in 1884. His son, Dinuzulu, succeeded him.
See also Anglo-Zulu War .
