from Canada to Sundumbili to Empangeni, South Africa........: A day of history at Shakaland

Did you know that the National anthem for South Africa begins "God Bless Africa" then continues,
"let its banner be raised,
Hear our prayers and
bless us
Decend, O Spirit,
decend,
O Spirit decend,
Oh Holy Spirit."

Nkosi Sikelel iAfrika in Zulu means God Bless Africa! WOW, what an National Anthem.

We are living in the area called KwaZulu-Natal or Zulu land. It was the area where king Shaka ruled in past history during the early 19th century.

From 2008-12-27

Shakaland is located about 20 minutes outside of Eshowe. It is located on this beautiful hill side overlooking the magnificant valley and river (dammed lake) below.

From 2008-12-27

Shaka had a very unhappy childhood, he and his mother (second wife) to Shaka's father left to a another part of the country. Shaka and his mother were teased bitterly because Shaka's mother was from a different tribe. The Zulu people were very mean to her and her son. Shaka would return as an adult to take his rightful place as king of the Zulu people!
The Zulu people live in homesteads (kraal) similiar to this picture. You enter the homestead through the one gate and are surrounded by living huts. Each hut is designated to certain people, the mother in law lives in the biggest hut opposite the entry gate. The husband has his own hut along with each wife he would have. The male and female children also have individual huts. There is also a cooking hut. In the centre of the homestead is where the animals are kept. During the night, the babies are seperated from their mothers to be milked. A secret hole that stores corn and extra food is hidden in the stable area under a flat rock.

From 2008-12-27

This is what King Shaka may have looked like back in his time.

The Zulu people tell their stories and pass down information through dance. The drumming and stomping is very moving and enchanting!

From 2008-12-27

Even the women dance to wish their men a good hunting trip or to tell of a great fight!

From 2008-12-27

The beadwork is very beautifully crafted here. In the past there was no paper or pens to write with so the Zulu people would bead to communicate. Below is beadwork a man would give to a woman to proclaim his love to her!

From 2008-12-27

Shaka changed the way the Zulu people fought battles. In the past they would throw spears at their enemies and once the spear was thrown it left the warrier without a weapon. Shaka went to the blacksmith and asked him to make him a spear that was much smaller and handheld. The result was an Iklwa. Some say this was named after the sound it made when it was pulled out of the body! (yuck). Shaka was later called by many a great leader and warrior!
Here Frank is learning to be a great warrior from King Shaka.