Ntshingwayo Khoza

Who is Ntshingwayo Khoza?

Ntshingwayo kaMgodi was the second in command of King Cetshwayo's Army. He is known as Ntshingwayo Khoza after being taken into foster care by Mahole of the Khoza.

He was the commanding general who led the Zulus against the Centre Column of the first British invasion of Zululand in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. He outmanoeuvred Lt. Gen. Lord Chelmsford, diverting part of the British force, then defeating and annihilating the encamped British Army at the Battle of Isandlwana, after the epic battle he became Britain's biggest foe. Ntshingwayo is regarded as a Zulu superhero because he remained loyal to his people through thick and thin. He also is believed to be one of the oldest Zulu warriors, he died at the staggering age of 74. Ntshingwayo's diet mainly consisted of amasi and beef later in his life. but did not surpass Sigananda kaSokufa's age of 91.

On 21 July 1883, Zibhebhu launched a surprise attack on Cetshwayo's Ondini Homestead which was currently being renovated. Hundreds including his siblings Hayiyana and Makhoba were slain due to no preparation. In the incident Cetshwayo was wounded and fled the scene of the bloody coup, Ntshingwayo was killed along with his childhood friend Godide Ndlela and mourned by thousands mostly because he took his last bow in defence of his king, he was buried in an unmarked heap of rocks.