The Political Images of King Dingane in the Age of the Armed Struggle: 1960–1994

Abstract

This chapter analyses the counter-commemoration of ‘Dingaan’s Day’ by the ANC and PAC during the years of the armed struggle. The liberation movements, through their leadership, constructed political perspectives of the Zulu king. As an example, ‘Dingaan’s Day’ or ‘The Day of the Vow’ assumed a new meaning because the ANC took a conscious decision to launch its military wing, uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK), on 16 December 1961. Subsequently, the liberation movement commemorated the day as ‘Heroes Day ’. This chapter also analyses the oppositional view adopted by the Inkatha Freedom Party , through its leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi , who altered his views after the introduction of the new political dispensation in 1994.