Compare and contrast the rise of the Zulu under Shaka and the Sotho under Moshoeshoe.

The question requires that candidates give an account of the similarities and differences between the rise of the Zulu under Shaka and the Sotho under Moshoeshoe. Candidates may compare and contrast in terms of military, political and social actions, referring to both throughout. Causes may predate the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may refer to Shaka’s actions of conquest and to Moshoshoe’s retreat to Thaba Bosiu to protect his people during the Mfecane/Difaqane, when wars among local communities and forced migratory movements developed in South African lands. They may contrast Shaka’s aggression with Moshoeshoe’s hospitality in offering sanctuary to refugees from conflict. Other aspects that can be discussed are the relevance of Shaka’s traditionally organized army, with around 100 000 soldiers, and the significance of the actions developed by Moshoeshoe from his settlement of Butha-Buthe, which became the centre of Sotho territory. Comparisons may include the importance of strong leadership and encouragement of intermarriage within the groups that they led. The importance of military abilities in the case of Shaka and diplomatic abilities in the case of Moshoeshoe may be also compared and/or contrasted.

This compare and contrast question on the Zulu and Sotho kingdoms was generally well handled, and some responses were very strong. Good format was generally shown, and many candidates had a reasonable amount of knowledge.