TwoCents | THE CHRONICLE OF THE 19TH CENTURY AFRICA'S GREATEST STRATEGIST, SHAKA ZULU

It is not unsurprising how Africa became the cradle of human civilisation, given the continent's richness in both human and natural resources. Little wonder the rest of the world ganged up and launched an irreparable socio-political and economic identity, mental and intellectual crises against it and its people. These charade of uninteresting events came to be known as colonialism. However, despite the damning implications of colonial tendencies in Africa, the people have remained resolute and determined to never let their cultural heritage and identity fade away. More importantly, Africans will never forget the contributions of their forefathers toward the growth and development of the continent. Speaking from a strategic standpoint, the military history of 19th century Africa will not be complete without the mention of Africa's greatest military strategist, Shaka Zulu. Born as Sgidi Kasenzangakhona into the family of Senzangakhona and Nandi in c 1787, Shaka became the estranged son of the Zulu King in Melmoth, KwaZulu Natal Province. It is interesting to note that the birth of Shaka Zulu was uncommon. He was conceived through a process that started out as Ukuhlobon (a sexual relationship between unmarried couples). during which Senzangakhona and Nandi got involved and were probably engulfed in the euphoria of sensational sexual "Konji". Following the circumstances surrounding Shaka Zulu's birth, he was raised in his mother's settlements. Growing up as a young and vibrant man, Shaka Zulu was trained by the chief of Mthethua clan, Dingiswayo. As expected, Shaka Zulu's father refused to call him Shaka because it meant disease - among other negative connotations. Alternatively, Shaka Zulu's father named him Sgidi. Curiosity got a better half of the most powerful 19th century Southern Africa's leader. He was so inquisitive such that he wanted to know how everything works not minding the cost or consequences. This is evident as it was noted that in there course of adventure, he sliced a live pregnant belly open to see how the unborn baby occupied that space. It is also reported that Shaka Zulu travelled a lot by foot and sat very little indoors. As a strategist, he sought to change things that did not augur well with his thoughts and ideas. This explains why he did not mind eliminating everyone who stood against his agenda of unifying the South African Zulu tribes. Shaka Zulu used warfare to achieve his political plans and to install fear and command respect from the people. Shaka Zulu expanded the Zulu clan and reorganised the army. Out of all the world's best warfare strategists, Shaka Zulu ranks top consequent upon the introduction of his famous close hand-to-hand combat using long bladed, short-shafted stabbing spears. He reduced shields to carriable sizes and trained his men to use their shields to hook the opponents' shield and wrench it aside, thus exposing their left flank to the Zulu warriors' spears. What a brain-wracking and genius strategy invented by one of Africa's best contemporary warfare strategist - Shaka Zulu. It is quite absurd to note that as a principle, Shaka Zulu prevented his troops, even old men from getting married because he believed that marriage would weaken their combat skills and tactics. He claimed he was saving them from the evils present in marriage. But could this be true? Are there really evils in marriage? was this conception more personal to Zulu or was it one of his strategies to keep his men fit for combat? Whichever way and whatever angle you may choose to answer the above-mentioned questions from, always remember that Shaka Zulu remains the GOAT world best strategist just like Sun Tzu, among others.

Other insights from Asiogu Ugochukwu