Zulu in Eswatini

Introduction / History

Zulu means “sky.” It is also the name of a common ancestor who founded the Zulu royal line in 1670. A hundred years later the Zulus began to transform from a group of loosely affiliated pastoral families to a more organized state. This allowed leaders to wield more power over their subjects and nearby subjugated chiefs. This enabled Zulu leaders to gain more power and wealth through tributes and taxes. They began to raise up conquering armies to increase their wealth and power even further. Military conquerors gained higher status. This process accelerated in the late 1700s when Shaka became a military leader. Shaka conquered and united the Zulu nation, largely because of his advanced military tactics. He recruited and trained more military leaders to expand the Zulu nation even further. Between 1816-1828 Shaka had created one of the most powerful empires on the African continent.

Zulu conquests drove people to other parts of southern Africa including Malawi and Mozambique. A smaller number wound up in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Eswatini.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Zulu men often work in mines and other manual labor jobs. They typically spend a good part of the year away from their wives and children. Zulu women sometimes produce pottery, mats or beaded jewelry for sale to tourists. The more fortunate Zulus have broken into more urban professions in business, accounting, etc.

The Zulus are proud of their military tradition which involved establishing one of Africa’s most powerful empires. They are also proud of their cultural accomplishments as well. They love singing in two part harmonies and their have their own dance forms. Their cuisine is usually grain based, though they have beef on special occasions.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Zulu belief in a God of Creation, Unkulunkulu. This god has similarities and difference with the God of the Bible. The vast majority of Zulus identify with a form of Christianity. However, they have many spiritual strongholds dating back centuries. Like most peoples of southern Africa, the Zulus have an emotional and cultural tie with the spirits of their ancestors. They believe they must appease these spirits or face serious consequences. They use diviners to interface with the spirit world.

What Are Their Needs?

The Zulus need to seriously address violent crime and sexual violence. Such problems stem from spiritual problems.

Prayer Points

Pray that Zulu Christians will put their faith in Jesus Christ instead of the spirit world.
Pray that soon Zulus will disciple others in the ways of Jesus Christ.
Pray for a Holy Spirit led revival to transform Zulu culture, blessing them spiritually and economically.

Text Source:   Joshua Project