Spoiler alert!
The alliance between Shaka and Dingiswayo begins to strain in this pivotal episode. Dingiswayo, leader of the Mthethwa clan, was instrumental in Shaka’s rise, mentoring him and providing a regiment that helped him become king of the Zulu. Their relationship had the qualities of a father-and-son bond, marked by trust and deep admiration as witnessed in Season 1. As Shaka came into his own, Nyambose remained supportive, but Somveli, Dingiswayo’s son, struggled with feelings of jealousy and rivalry.
Their shared vision against Matiwane results in a military victory, but also exposes growing political divergence. Shaka begins to question Dingiswayo’s decisions, emboldened by his conversations with Nandi. He starts planning to build a larger palace, a move that Mkabayi warns may appear arrogant and disrespectful to their allies.
Somveli, desperate to earn his father’s approval, finally proves himself in battle. He saves Mgobhozi, one of Shaka’s most trusted warriors, and earns his praise. This moment leads to a public gesture of reconciliation between Somveli and his father, sealed with a ritual reserved for Mthethwa heirs. Somveli, fearful that his past with the Ndwandwes will be exposed, kills a man to protect his secret. This act of violence plunges him deeper into guilt and paranoia.
Mgobhozi continues to rise in prominence. A key figure in Shaka’s military, he is known for his courage and loyalty. Alongside Nqoboka of the Sokhulu, he is one of the first warriors to embrace Shaka’s vision and tactics, forming the core of his inner circle.
Nature plays a symbolic role in the episode. The appearance of locusts and falling leaves is not merely decorative. These visual cues are grounded in cultural and historical significance.
Locusts are a sign of doom. In Zulu cosmology, locusts are seen as harbingers of devastation. They strip crops of their leaves, triggering famine and hardship. They have a dual meaning. While feared for their destructive impact, locusts are also gathered and eaten, revealing a relationship shaped by both necessity and resilience.
Leaves represent healing and life. Used for medicinal and ritual purposes, leaves are associated with restoration. Nongila and Ngwadi’s use of them on their journey to the Xhosa reflects this practice, as they are also used as a laxative to great comical effect.
Nongila and Ngwadi provide moments of levity through their playful exchanges as they travel into Xhosa territory. However, the tone shifts when they encounter the British and are quickly captured by Boers. Their rescue by a Xhosa envoy, played by Vuyo Ngcukana, introduces a new layer of political complexity. The Xhosa are internally divided, debating whether to align with the Boers in hopes of resisting British expansion. These events widen the scope of the story, drawing colonial tensions into sharper focus.
In KwaBulawayo, Shaka shares intimate moments with Liyana, suggesting a growing emotional connection. Despite his earlier declarations against marriage and fatherhood, he appears to be enjoying her company. Meanwhile, Ntombazana, sent by the Ndwandwes to seduce and trick Dingiswayo, finds herself increasingly conflicted. What begins as a calculated mission becomes complicated by genuine emotion.
The episode closes on a grim note. Zwide, fearing betrayal by an insider informant and under the influence of Ntombazi, murders Nxumalo, Dingiswayo’s close friend married to his sister. The killing leaves Dingiswayo furious and ready for war.
“Shaka was right. We should have dealt with Zwide a long time ago,” Dingiswayo roars.
Coming up in episode 6
Dingiswayo prepares for battle, not knowing that Ntombazana has set a trap. Ngwadi and Nongila, now among the Xhosa, find themselves caught in the chaos of a British attack. Meanwhile, Shaka is faced with a decision that could alter the future of the Zulu kingdom.
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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