The Kingdon of the Zulu of South Africa

Gluckman, Max

essay

The Kingdon of the Zulu of South Africa

african political systems • London • Published In 1955 • Pages: 25-55

By: Gluckman, Max.

Abstract
This source presents a comparative study of Zulu political organization in the mid-19th century under King Mpande and in the mid-20th century under European rule. After a brief introductory section on cultural history, the discussion turns to an analysis of the role of the king, the various chiefs of the political order and their relationship to and integration into the kinship system of the traditional Zulu period. As with other sources in this file, no clear definition is given of what constitutes a 'chief' -- references are sometimes given to a tribal chief, at other times to a ward head (INDUNA) and frequently the reference is only to 'chief' alone without any political point of reference. Under European rule the political structure has changed considerably. The Zulu king still exists, but primarily as a ceremonial figure. Under reserve administration the various Zulu tribes are grouped into magisterial districts, each under the supervision of a chief with limited judicial authority. The real political power today is vested in the European magistrate who is the superior political and judicial officer in KwaZulu-Natal. The comparisons and contrasts between these two political systems constitute the major bulk of the material in this source.

Subjects

Acculturation and culture contact

Status, role, and prestige

Ingroup antagonisms

Territorial hierarchy

Districts

Provinces

Chief executive

Deliberative councils

External relations

Public welfare

Revolution