Anniversary of King Cetshwayo Kampande's Death

“A half loaf is better than no bread” - Zulu proverb

(King Cetshwayo Kampande)

King Cetshwayo Kampande was born on an unknown date in 1826 in Eshowe, Zulu Kingdom, South Africa. In 1856 he defeated and killed his younger brother in battle. He killed his mother and became effective ruler of the Zulu people. He killed any opposition to the throne. In 1873 he was installed as king. He expanded his army and equipped them with muskets.

(Kampande in 1878)

He also banned missionaries from his land. In 1879 the Zulu war began with the British against Kampande’s forces.

(Kampande in 1879)

In 1882 a Zulu civil war broke out between 2 Zulu factions. Kampande was later captured and exiled to Cape Town and then to London.

(Kampande in 1882)

In 1883 he returned to Zululand. When he returned he was wounded in the ongoing Zulu civil war. On February 8th, 1884 King Cetshwayo Kampande died of his wounds in Eshowe, South Africa. He was about 58 years old.

(Kampande in 1884)

Today is the 133rd anniversary of his death. Take time to remember this great king today.