Book Review : Path of Blood: Rise and Conquests of Mzilikazi by Peter Becker.
This is a fantastic read that should be turned into a movie. It is about Mzilikazi son Mashobane, king of the Matabele nation. Mzilikazi is one of the handful of African warriors who emerge from the Mfecane wars of the early 1800s that saw the wars of Shaka cause havoc across pre-colonial South Africa. Mzilikazi is born to a small chiefdom and is caught between the conflict between Zwide of the Ndwandwe and Dingiswayo of the Mthetwa. Dingiswayo is beheaded and Mzilikazi picks a side and becomes a trusted friend and general of Shaka who later becomes king of the Zulu. For whatever reason, Mzilikazi rebels from Shaka's rule and heads north to create his own kingdom but he will have to fight against Boers, Griquas and Zulus as he journeys. Path of Blood is action packed and paints a picture of a highly intelligent, ambitious, brave and yet cruel African warrior and king. Peter Becker is a natural writer. Every sentence holds the reader captive and the mind does not wander as you turn the pages. It is simply a delight.
It amazes me that there has not been a series or movie about Mzilikazi similar to the one about Shaka that was created in the 80s. Mzilikazi is the student who outperforms the master. He lived longer than Shaka and created a nation that has lasted to this day in Zimbabwe. It is a shame that in Zimbabwe he is not as honoured by the ruling party as Shaka is in South Africa. Hopefully that changes one day and a holiday is set aside on the date of his death on 9 September.
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