Mthethwa is a small, historical village and is located south of the Mfolozi River in the northeastern part of the present-day province of KwaZulu-Natal, located in South Africa (“Mthethwa”). This village had many leaders, the most notable being that of Dingiswayo; under his rule, Mthethwa became prominent during the first twenty years of the 19^th century (“Mthethwa”). This occurred by accruing even smaller villages into their power of rule, and this led to more opportunities for the people of this land (“Mthethwa”). Some of these things were the trading of ivory, slaves, and cattle with the Portuguese (“Mthethwa”). Under Diginswayo, this village had strong connections with Shaka’s Zulu tribe, and Mthethwa came to become a part of the empire over the course of time (“Mthethwa”).

This village finds relevance with Thomas Mofolo’s work titled Chaka, An Historical Romance. It does because the figure of Digniswayo is mentioned quite heavily regarding his involvement in the support of the main character of the work, Chaka (also known as Shaka). Additionally, Dingiswayo and his people help Chaka in his endeavors both in the novel, as well as real life. By taking the time to study this village, one is then able to understand the cultural significance of the work even more because it reflects many historical events related to this period.

Works Cited

Mofolo, Thomas. Chaka. Oxford University Press, 1931.

“Mthethwa.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/place/Mthethwa.