Dingiswayo

Dingiswayo, meaning “he who is troubled,” was originally born as Godongwana. He was a Mthethwa chief who is best known for his mentorship over Shaka Zulu. Shaka Zulu went on to become the greatest Zulu king that ever lived. Dingiswayo was very skilled in commanding an army and defeating his opponents. Under his rule, Mthethwa territory grew and smaller tribes merged into his. Dingiswayo's grandfather, Kayi, was the founder of the Mthethwa tribe. Early in his life, Dingiswayo and his brother Tana made a plan against their father Jobe. Their plan was discovered and Tana was killed by Dingiswayo. He fled to join a tribe in the foothills of the Drakensberg, a mountain range in Lesotho. This is when he changed his name from Godongwana to Dingiswayo. When Jobe died, Dingiswayo returned to claim control of the Mthethwa tribe. He found his brother Mawewe in power, but killed him. Dingiswayo incorporated many smaller troops into his in order to top his rival, Chief Zwide of the Ndwandwe.

Official birth and death dates are unknown for Dingiswayo, but we do know that he lived around 1780-1817. He was beheaded in an attempt to invade Zwide territory. Dingiswayo was buried with all his possessions on the northern bank of the Tugela River. His legacy lived on within Shaka who went on to become extremely successful.