African Nationalists and Contending Perspectives of King Dingane: 1916–1980s

Abstract

This chapter focuses on positive and nuanced perspectives of King Dingane constructed by African nationalist intellectuals such as Selope Thema , Herbert Dhlomo and Jordan Ngubane . Although Thema changes his view about the king later in his life, African nationalism is the common thread that stitches these images together. Their perspectives are largely influenced by and are in opposition to the Afrikaner nationalists’ negative depictions of the king, particularly during the celebration and commemoration of ‘Dingaan’s Day’. These African nationalists also used newspapers such as iLanga, Bantu World and Inkundla yaBantu as vehicles for articulating their views. Herbert Dhlomo, a prolific scriptwriter, also staged a play based on King Dingane. It was performed by African students at the University of Natal’s Black Section.