Mbatha, S. 2017. U Zulu: Umlando Nobuqhawe BukaZulu (The history and heroism of the Zulu nation) [Book review]

Abstract

The book basically provides a narrative account of the long history of the Zulu nation during and after the colonial period. It focuses on the series of battles and wars fought during the reign of King Shaka, including their encounters with the colonial forces, which caused the displacement of many tribes and their settlement in various parts of the African continent. The battle of Isandlwana in 1879, where the Zulu troops conquered the British forces, is a classic example. The author attempts to paint a picture of different layers of the struggle for colonial emancipation of the black people in general and the Zulu nation in particular. Mbatha believes that black South Africans should be writing their own history as they were directly impacted by colonialism. The eyewitness accounts provided by the elders who were directly involved in colonial battles and wars should inform the writing of such histories. The author seeks to address competing perspectives on the subject of colonialism and its impact on the Zulu nation.