Senzangakona

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Senzangakona (ca. 1762 - 1816) was a chief of the Zulu clan, succeeding his father Jama kaNdaba.

During the chieftaincy of Senzangakona, the Zulus were a small clan in the Mthethwa confederation which was ruled by Dingiswayo.

Senzangakona married at least sixteen wives by which he had fourteen known sons. Daughters were not counted.

His third wife, Nandi kaBhebhe eLangeni (Nandi, daughter of Bhebhe, from Langeni district), bore him his first son Shaka out of wedlock, who took over his chieftaincy upon his death and built it into the Zulu kingdom.

Another of his wives gave birth to Sigujana, who was meant to succeed Senzanghakona, but was deposed by Shaka on the day of the coronation and Shaka became King of the Zulu.

His sixth wife, Mpikase kaMlilela Ngobese, bore Dingane, who took over the Zulu kingdom after assassinating his half-brother Shaka in 1828 at present-day Stanger.

His ninth wife, Songiya kaNgotsha Hlabisa, bore Mpande, who took over when Dingane was killed in 1840. Mpande was the only son to bear him grandchildren, through the intervention of Ndlela kaSompisi.

Senzangakona's name is derived from the Zulu word meaning "he who acts with good reason".