Shaka (Lemogang Tsipa) is driven by an unyielding determination to avenge the death of Dingiswayo; Zwide (Wiseman Mncube) by his fury at the burning of his warriors and the loss of Cija. For Shaka, this is the moment his leadership is truly tested.

Hungry for the fight, Shaka leads his men early to the chosen battleground. His battle plan is meticulous, but at the last moment he learns Mondisa of the Mthethwa will not send his army – halving Shaka’s expected forces. The betrayal stings, yet his resolve to avenge Dingiswayo does not waver.

As the massive Ndwandwe force approaches, Shaka calmly surveys the terrain, reorganising his tactics with precision. He demands his warriors trust him completely.

While Shaka commands the field, Nandi (Nomzamo Mbatha) moves urgently to strengthen the Zulu position through diplomacy. She secures support from the Mhlongo, then travels to the Qwabe. There, Phakathwayo offers his backing, but only if Shaka agrees to submit to him after the war. Nandi knows Shaka will never accept.

In stark contrast to Shaka’s strategic discipline, Zwide is blinded by arrogance and pride. He places his inexperienced son Nomhlanjana in command, sidelining the more capable Soshangana. Mzilikazi disappears from the Ndwandwe court and reappears at Shaka’s side, his defection both strategic and deeply personal. He will never forget seeing Zwide kill his father.

In the Ndwandwe capital, Goloza has had a vision of great importance to the battle. But grief and anger over Nyengelezi’s death keep him from telling his mother or warning Zwide.

Shaka’s army, even with Mzilikazi’s reinforcements, is far smaller than the mighty Ndwandwe, but his battlecraft is masterful. He lays trap after trap, drawing the Ndwandwe into disadvantage. On the field, Mzilikazi claims vengeance, killing one of Zwide’s sons. And then, one by one, the Ndwandwe princes fall to the Zulu blade.

Meanwhile, Sikhunyana adds urgency to the unfolding tragedy. After ensuring Hletjiwe’s safety, he persuades Goloza to finally speak. The vision is clear: death will come for all of Zwide’s sons. But by the time the warning reaches the king, it is too late. Nomhlanjana is the final son, and he falls to Shaka’s spear, vengeance for Dingiswayo, as Zwide watches helplessly.

The losses are not one-sided. Nyembezi, Liyana’s brother, also dies in the battle, his death sending ripples of grief through the Zulu ranks. Shaka remains composed, locking away his emotions until both sides retreat from the battle to regroup.

The power of this episode lies in its convergence: Nandi’s diplomacy, Mzilikazi’s betrayal, Sikhunyana’s warning, and Shaka’s brilliant strategy and execution all colliding at Gqokli Hill. Vengeance drives nearly everyone: Shaka for Dingiswayo, Mzilikazi for his father, Zwide for Cija.

As Zwide weeps, honouring each of his dead sons, he vows that Shaka will pay. The fire that burns inside him now will be felt by the Zulu.

Coming up in episode 10

The Ndwandwes mourn. Zwide is shattered by heartbreak. Liyana confronts her grief, while Nandi uncovers a secret she must protect, even if it means defying her son.

Shaka iLembe season 2 is proudly sponsored by headline partner Telkom, associate partners Knorrox, Diageo and tactical partners Santam, Amka, Toyota, Spur, and Gordon’s Gin. 

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