The Khumalo story Part Three (Lobengula) After Mzilikazi died in September 1868, the succession of Lobengula Khumalo was not accepted by Mangwane (one of Mzilikazi’s older sons) and some of the izinduna (chiefs), and he succeeded to the throne only in 1870 after a period of serious civil war. Lobengula faced a rebellion in June 1870, and in 1872 he repelled an invasion by Mangwane and a pretender backed by the British in the Natal colony. Lobengula and his impis crushed the rebellion. Lobengulas courage in the battle led to his unanimous selection as king. The coronation of Lobengula took place at Mhlanhlandlela, one of the principal military towns. Lobengula was a big, powerful, man with a soft voice who was well loved by his people but loathed by foreign tribes. He had well over 20 wives, possibly many more. His father, Mzilikazi, had around 200 wives. It is said that he weighed about 19 stone (120 kg or 265 lb). He was a fine warrior but not an equal of his father. Life under Lobengula was less strict than it had been under Mzilikazi; still, the Ndebele retained their habit of raiding their neighbours. It is during Lobengulas regin that the influx of whitemen increased due to the discovery of vast gold deposits in Witwatersrand 1886. This was the begining of the end for this young Empire.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 06:12:32 +0000
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