This study aims to do a comparative analysis of the historical depiction of the Zulu kings
namely: King Shaka, King Dingane, King Mpande and King Cetshwayo. In this study
comparison is drawn between Dhlomo's historical novels and Nyembezi 's anthology of
praise poetry. This research is based on Interpretive paradigm because it emphasizes a
need for in-depth reading and analysis of the oral presentation. That is why qualitative
research methodology has been employed because it has allowed the researcher to
analytical skills on the content and interviews with community members.
In the analysis of these books; the researcher read; interpreted, compared and contrasted
the contents thereof. In the researchers comparative study; the researcher discovered that
there are some similarities and differences of content in the historical novels and praise
poetry writings. This research examined the publication (relevant to this study) written by
other authors about Zulu kings (these as deemed relevant for this research).
The study went on to verify authenticity around the contents of praise poetry regarding
these kings. Structured interviews were arranged and conducted; wherein it emerged that
most of king Shaka's, king Dingane's and king Mpande's history has somewhat faded
from the interviewee's memories. A lot of information was gathered around king
Cetshwayo. This study also revealed that most of Zulu king's history is somehow
distorted.Theories of Post-Colonialism and Orality were greatly employed during this research.
Post-Colonialism theory was deemed relevant because most of these writings were done
after the Zulus had been robbed of their land. Since praise poetry is oral art; an oral
historian had to be consulted to emphasize the rich heritage contained in orality or oral
art. It clearly emerged from this research that there is a lot of deliberate distortions of
Zulu kings' history. This distortion is not only by Whites but also some Black African
writers who still continue distorting the kings' history.
It is suggested that there be a revisitation and rewriting of the Zulu kings' history and this
be done taking into consideration past writings and interviews with knowledgeable
historians. A lot of knowledge is contained in this thesis that can be helpful to all and
sundry interested in historical writings and other literary genres. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ukzn/oai:http://researchspace.ukzn.ac.za:10413/8641 |
| Date | January 2008 |
| Creators | Mazibuko, Gugulethu Brightness. |
| Contributors | Ngwenya, T. H., Nhlongwa, Nobuhle P. |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | en_ZA |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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