Discuss the social, economic and political causes of the Mfecane/Difaqane.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the social, economic and political causes of the Mfecane/Difaqane. Causes may predate the timeframe, but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to the rise of Shaka and the wars of conquest unleashed by the Zulu against neighbouring Nguni kingdoms, or to his military innovations, which were then copied by his victims and used against other groups. Candidates may mention social factors, such as the use of age grade regiments, as well as the practice of capturing cattle from defeated enemies and absorbing their women and children into the Zulu state. Candidates may focus on the rapid population growth in the region (followed by a period of drought) that put severe pressure on scarce resources, competition between kingdoms for control of trade routes to the Portuguese port at Delagoa Bay and the slave raids from the Cape that destabilized Nguni society. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.