The Zulus are reckoned to be by far the most fearsome warriors Africa has ever provided, and they could give thanks to Shaka Zulu for that standing. King Shaka was the ruler of the Zulus from 1816 until his death in 1828. During this period, Shaka Zulu totally changed the Zulu military. He exchanged the original long throwing spear (Assegai) with a short stabbing spear (Iklwa) with a wider blade. The Zulu pronunciation of i-klwa is considered the sound the spear made as it was thrust into and withdrawn from an enemy's body.
Shaka Zulu furthermore established logistical assistance for his big armies and organised them into grades of regiment, each using their individual special names and patterns on their shields. Shaka Zulu was additionally responsible for creating the famed Zulu combat tactics referred to as the "Buffalo Horns" (impondo zenkomo). This specific strategy had initially been utilized by the Zulus for hunting but King Shaka modified it for battle with devastating effect.
The Buffalo Horns formation would see the Zulus break up their impi into 4 clear components. Each one symbolized a portion of the Buffalo; the chest area (isifuba), left & right horns (izimpondo) along with the loins (umuva).
The Chest of the Buffalo would take on the enemy head on. This component of the Zulu impi would normally be made up of the greatest warriors, tested in battle.
As the Chest of the Buffalo was engaging the enemy, the Horns would move off to the left and right, encircling the opposition. All survivors got the opportunity to join the Zulus, the other choice was death. Individuals who joined the Zulu army became Zulu warriors. These people renounced their former tribal loyalties and got total Zulu education. The warriors who made up the Left & Right Horns would as a rule consist of more youthful, speedier warriors that could advance swiftly to surround the enemy.
The remaining Zulus, the Loins, were typically the older, more experienced warriors who were held in reserve to be used as and when necessary. They would also be kept out of sight of the battle or even facing away from the action so they did not become over excited and join the fighting too soon. Shaka or his commanders would observe and control their armies from high ground overlooking the battlefield and relay their instructions with a series of runners.
The "Buffalo Horns" strategies were utilized by the Zulus in tribal combat and continued to be employed decades after King Shaka's death. On 22nd January 1879 when the Zulu warriors destroyed the British camp at Isandlwana, it had been perceived by a lot of people as a dreadful British defeat but perhaps it ought to be regarded as a terrific Zulu triumph. However, the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 in the end saw the end of the Zulu nation, the standing they earned lives on. All across the world, the Zulu is recalled as a bold and formidable warrior. From the phonetic alphabet, the letter 'Z' is defined by the word 'Zulu'.
Their heritage also brings visitors to this part of South Africa with people going to look at the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift.
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King Shaka is the most well-known of all the Zulu leaders. He help define their legacy and fought so bravely in the
Anglo Zulu war of 1879.
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