Historical Experts on British-Zulu Relations Under Chaka

Ronan Martin, Historical expert on British-Zulu relations under Shaka

The period of time in Southern African history known as the “Mfecane” has been popularized by the historical attention devoted to Chaka, the protagonist of the Mfecane in many ways.  Also present in Southern Africa at the time were the British, who had reached Southern Africa through an expansion of economic influence during the 19th century.  The British and Zulu were bound to develop a trading partnership as Chaka had created a distinct Zulu state that controlled trade in the region at the time.  I believe that the primarily economic relations that emerged between the British and Zulu were a product of the Mfecane that was led by Chaka.  Contrary to other arguments, I do not believe that the British exercised any influence over the events of the Mfecane itself, and rather acted as bystanders.

The beginning of the Mfecane is characterized by Chaka’s gradual rise to power through a series of political assassinations and a campaign of indiscriminate violence that caused political elites across the region to fear Chaka’s military forces (Isaacs 8, Flynn 10).  Chaka’s emphasis on military strength can then be defined as the primary cause of the Mfecane, and would later lead to a mutually beneficial arrangement with the British as the British were able to supply Chaka with firearms he greatly desired (Fynn, 19).  Chaka’s rise to power would culminate with the creation of a distinct Zulu state characterized by political institutions.  The Zulu state was led by Chaka, however individual villages were largely under the control of military elites that would remain loyal to Chaka (Fynn, 13).  The administrative divisions of the Zulu state, known as kraals, would also pay tribute to Chaka and provide him with any other goods he desired out of a fear of retaliation for not doing so.  This political system provided Chaka with a great deal of political and economic power in addition to the military power he already possessed, making Chaka the most important figure in the region for Europeans seeking to form trading relationships in southern Africa.

British accounts of Chaka portray scenes in which there is a clear relationship between the British and the Zulu.  British accounts note Chaka’s “friendly disposition” towards the British, despite Chaka clearly having the capabilities to attack British merchants in the region (Isaacs, 17).  There was even one instance in which Chaka was close to unleashing his military strength on the British, however he was later convinced that the British were indeed an ally rather than an adversary (Fynn, 19).  Chaka’s willingness to trust the British as a military ally against a specific Khoikhoi group shows that a clear arrangement existed between the two parties.  The British would recognize the rule of Chaka and the sovereign Zulu state he created while benefiting from trade in the region that was facilitated by economic and political centralization under Chaka.  

We are provided with evidence of the trading relationship from one of Fynn’s diary entries in which he describes a negotiation between the British and Chaka himself.  Chaka desired Macassar oil, and was willing to provide the British with ivory tusks in order to secure some of the oil for himself (Fynn, 21).  This supply of ivory drew British merchants to the region, where they were able to supply desired goods to Chaka and Zulu elites.  The Mfecane facilitated the strengthening of this relationship, however it was Chaka’s own agency and decision making that caused the event to occur.  There is an argument to be made that many Zulu people suffered as a result of the relationship between the British and Chaka, however it was ultimately the decisions of Chaka that caused indiscriminate violence.

In conclusion, relations between the British and the Zulu under the rule of Chaka was made possible by a series of military campaigns that allowed Chaka to assume political and economic control over the region.  The relationship between the two parties formed naturally, as the British were able to supply Chaka with military technology and support while Chaka was able to use his position of power within the Zulu state to provide the British with the goods that they desired.  Both sides recognized the sovereignty of the other party, and there is not much evidence to suggest that either side attempted to manipulate the relationship in their favor.