From left Neo Magagula, Ntando Zondi, Senzo Radebe and Sibonile Ngubane in the forthcoming South African TV series Shaka iLembe. Courtesy Mzansi MagicShaka Zulu is one of the most famous figures ...

Although Shaka iLembe is designed for entertainment, the producers have always emphasised that it’s a true reflection of the era and of Zulu culture, even though some scenes are fictional.

Shaka has been the subject of numerous novels, poems, films and TV series. Many have offered distorted versions of Zulu culture. But the award-winning 2023 drama series Shaka iLembe seemed different.

Shaka goes deep into the Nkandla forest and asks a blacksmith to forge a stabbing spear, named “ixwa.” Shaka returns to his regiment and convinces the king that his new method of warfare is ...