The death knell has sounded for a mighty king. Dingiswayo, great leader of the Mthethwa, has been felled. His death was a heartbreaking moment that deeply saddened everyone watching; even those who know their history and knew this moment was coming, did not leave the episode dry-eyed.
If viewers felt rage for Zwide before, it increased a hundred-fold after this episode and Shaka feels the same. But before we turn to the fallout of episode 7’s tragic events in this Sunday’s episode, let’s take a moment to reflect on King Dingiswayo and why we loved him and will miss him.
He took Shaka under his wing
When Shaka was ousted from his home, Dingiswayo welcomed the precocious boy and his mother. When Shaka was drafted into the Mthethwa army, Dingiswayo noted the boy’s courage and skill and committed to helping Shaka claim his throne and walk a path to greatness.
He was a great leader
One of the many reasons Shaka learnt so much from Dingiswayo was because the Mthethwa king himself was a great leader, skilled in battle and willingly fighting alongside his men, which is what Shaka would go on to do. Furthermore, Dingiswayo was adept at negotiation and diplomacy, opening trade relations in a bid to open the Mthethwa to new and intriguing ideas. Remember the chair in season 1! He was always willing to listen and learn from others, like Baleka. He absorbed her teachings and implemented them into his own rituals and practices.
He was a man of his word
Dingiswayo was determined but not stubborn and saw the value in suing for peace. Despite his ire for the Ndwandwe, he took Ntombazana as a queen in hopes that it would settle enmity between the two great clans. Many may say this pursuit was his downfall, but what’s important to remember is that he died staying true to his values, his mission, and his word.
He was portrayed by a great actor
Thembinkosi Mthembu's star has shot even higher with his portrayal of King Dingiswayo. Mthembu already won a SAFTA for his work in season 1, and in season 2 he went from strength to strength. He layered Dingiswayo with wisdom, determination, and fortitude but also with vulnerability, and always – whether in battle, in discourse, or in love – with dignity and honour.
Rest in peace Dingiswayo. Your legacy lives on.
Dingiswayo's days may have ended, but you can still watch Thembinkosi Mthembu on your screens. Watch him take on the role of the wise and caring policeman and healer Sifiso Kubheka in Homecoming from Mondays to Wednesdays at 18:30 on Mzansi Wethu.
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.
Watch the legendary rule of King Shaka unfold in Shaka iLembe season 2, on Sundays at 20:00 on Mzansi Magic, DStv channel 161. There are repeats on Fridays at 21:30 and Saturdays at 20:00. Watch season 1 on Showmax or DStv Catch Up.
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