Mzansi’s collective heart bled for a young Shaka (Ntando Zondi) when in season 1 his father Senzangakhona (Senzo Radebe) treated him harshly and exiled him from his home. 💔

The character was met with much ire on social media streets, with good reason often called a deadbeat dad. 😢

Yet, Senzangakhona’s redemption arc in the latest episode still didn’t win him many fans. However, he was met with muted praise. 

⚠ Spoilers ahead 

In season 2, we’ve seen Shaka rise to power as he defeated enemy after enemy. But perhaps the most profound battle he fights is one of acceptance, acceptance from his father. 

Ahead of his coronation during his spiritual journey, Shaka came face to face with his father. Disappointed and angered, Shaka was able to finally tell Senzangakhona truths he kept in his heart, feelings of hurt long buried that have shaped his adulthood. 😡

Shaka said scornfully: “So you're the one standing in my way. Even in death you reject me.” 😭

“You thought being born into royalty meant you'd get the throne without working for it,” Senzangakhona said.

“I've earned the throne many times over.”

“Without our actions, yours and mine, you wouldn't be here to pick this fruit I am offering you. The ancestors prepared you in ways you never understood, that you'll never understand.”

“By rejecting me totally, humiliating me all my life?” 

“Have you come here to dishonour me?”

“I want nothing from you,” Shaka said, anger rising. 

“If you don't want anything from me, then what do you want?”

“I want the wisdom and blessings from the old king, Jama.”

Senzangakhona then recited clan praises. 

Senzangakhona said: “In anger, I chased you and your mother away from kwaNobamba, but you must understand it was the doing of the ancestors so that you'd be sharpened with lessons I couldn't teach you to become a man and become strong and become the iron you are today.”

“What am I?” asked Shaka.

Senzangakhona touched Shaka's left shoulder tenderly. 

“You're the future.” 

“I've always longed to be seen by you.”

“I couldn't see you. I saw weakness, a reflection of my own faults. But I see you now, my son. You're ready. You're the king that was foretold. Rise, Zulu.”

Shaka touched his hand back and said: “Mageba.”

According to Psychology Today, the online publication, humans never stop needing the acceptance and approval of parents, well into adulthood. “A healthy parent-child dyad necessitates both parent and child accepting responsibility of past and present disappointments and mistakes.”

What transpired between Shaka and Senzangakhona is a perfect example of coming to terms with a difficult childhood so that the future can be fully embraced. 😁

“Children who feel loved and accepted by their parents have better relationships not only with their family but also with peers,” reads the Psychology Today website. In contrast, children who feel rejected by their parents have worse social, emotional, and [behavioural] adjustment, even into adulthood.”

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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