Princess Mkabayi KaJama: Condemned And Hated Zulu Kingmaker Who Died A Lonely Woman

David Tee - AncientPages.com  - What we know of Princess Mkabayi KaJama is found in Zulu oral history. Most of the information comes from what the Zulus called Praise Poems. These poems served two purposes; first, they expressed the views of the Zulu leaders. Second, they were a possibility for the people to state their dissatisfaction with what was happening in Zulu society.

Princess Mkabayi KaJam. Credit: The Zulu Kingdom

These poems played a large role in Zulu civilization until the 19^th century when their language was finally begun to be written down.

The Early Life Of Princess Mkabayi KaJama

Superstition influences how people think and behave. One superstition in the Zulu society held that twins had to be killed after they were born. Mkabayi’s father, Jama seemed to be a compassionate man and refused to follow tradition when his twin daughters were born.

This act led to a hard life of rejection, disapproval and other negative behavior for MKabayi and her sister. It is possible that the rejection from their fellow Zulu people, helped develop the harsh attitude some say Mkabayi possessed later in life.

What finally won the Zulu people over to her side was when she worked hard to help her father marry a Zulu woman and the couple produced an heir. This act helped spare Jama some of the wrath the people had for him when a year earlier, he married a Thonga woman who gave birth to an illegitimate son.

Mkabayi Proclaimed Herself Regent Of The Zulu People

The existence of Sojiyisa, Jama’s illegitimate son, brought a lot of fear to Mkabayi and the Zulu people. He was a powerful person and he was seen as a threat to Senzangakhona, Jama’s legitimate heir, and his right to the Zulu throne.

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More About History

With this threat and Senzangakhona’s minor status, Mkabayi proclaimed herself Regent of the Zulu people. This was an act Zulu women had not tried before. It was a move that did not sit well with the Zulu people either. Their newfound love for her disappeared rather quickly when she took the role of regent.

Yet Mkabayi was not power hungry or desired control over others. Once her half-brother came of age she stepped aside and let him rule on his own.

Mkabayi’s Role In Zulu History

During her time as regent, Mkabayi could not let Sojiyisa’s threat to her half-brother remain. Once she established herself, she ordered the Zulu army to destroy the illegitimate child of her father. With this act, she gained a very blood thirsty reputation.

Shaka Zulu (1787-1828) was one of the greatest heroes in Africa.

She also sought to preserve the traditions and culture of the Zulu people while she reigned. This did not sit well with a lot of her citizens. It is after the death of her half-brother that she decided that she had the wisdom and ability to determine who could reign the Zulu people and who could not.

When her nephew, Shaka, was accused of abusing his power, she sought to depose him through assassination. She also sought the assassination of a person who helped her in this plot.

Then in contrast to these acts, she fought the mistreatment of her fellow Zulu citizens at the hands of the reigning monarchs. Because she made most of the succeeding monarchs, her word was law and she made those kings follow her commands.

Mkabayi’s Legacy

The scope of this legacy would ultimately depend upon which side of the fence you view her life and actions. Some see her as a feminist hero. Others, as a cruel bloodthirsty woman who sought power by controlling power. Others may see her as a protector of her family and Zulu heritage.

No matter how you view her, her life ended the same. Because of her role in the death of Shaka Zulu, she was condemned, hated and banished from Zulu society. Never marrying, she left no family behind to carry on her self-appointed work.

Even though she was condemned and hated, there are still many Praise Poems dedicated to her and praising her for her involvement in Zulu royal society. She died a lonely woman in 1843.

Written by – David Tee AncientPages.com Staff Writer

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