The Zulu Kingdom as a Genocidal and Post-Genocidal Society, c. 1810 to the Present

• Published in: Journal of genocide research Vol. 5; no. 2; pp. 251 - 268
• Main Author: Mahoney, Michael R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.2003
• Subjects: Colonialism; Genocide; Great Britain; Leadership; Nineteenth Century; Resistance; Traditional Societies; Twentieth Century
• ISSN: 1462-3528
• DOI: 10.1080/1462352032000079411

The transformation of the Zulu kingdom from a genocidal to a post-genocidal society is investigated. An overview of Zulu history is presented, emphasizing the reigns of the various Zulu leaders & the credibility of existing studies of the Zulu kingdom. Several factors responsible for the establishment of a genocidal society under the leadership of Shaka Zulu are identified, eg, the legitimacy of Shaka's leadership was questioned by many Zulus. In addition, reasons for the continuation of genocidal practices under the direction of Shaka's successor, Dingane Zulu, are considered. Rather than perceive the authority possessed by Shaka & Dingane as absolute, it is noted that both leaders were assassinated & that individuals abandoned the Zulu leaders in favor of the British colonial government. Reasons for the Natal Africans' ultimate rejection of the British colonial state during the early 20th century is then addressed; specific attention is dedicated to exploring the Natal Africans' repudiation of particular British tax collecting ceremonies & performance of war-doctoring rituals as a form of resisting British governance. Noting that intergroup strife is prevalent among present-day KwaZulu-Natal society, it is stressed that genocide could emerge in the future. 1 Appendix. J. W. Parker