MALE MILITARY LEADERS

By: Mary Ankrah

In history, many African empire builders and warriors are remembered for their diverse contributions towards building their nation or empire and therefore Shaka zulu is no exception. Shaka Zulu was believed to be a native of South African who was born out of marriage in Kwazulu.

As a military innovator, it was believed that he changed the face of warfare in South Africa by making his warriors to train and fight barefoot to make them tough. It was also said that he introduced the shorter stabbing spear (iklwa) and made the shield heavier and his military tactics was his warriors run to the enemy and stab him rather than to throw the spear from a distance.

According to readings, “Shaka's methods reached their high point during the Zulu victory at Isandhlwana. Regimental deployments and lines of attack show his classic template at work.”[1] It is believed that Shaka won many battles like the one against the Buthelezi tribe and most of the southeast Africa and Natal in 1820.

Also, Osei Tutu I is recognized in history as an empire builder and military leader of the Asante who was said to be the first Asantehene of the Asante kingdom. It was believed that with the help of his priest friend, Okomfo Anokye, he established the Golden stool as a religious-political symbol of unity of the Oyoko union states and their confederate neighbours under the Asante Empire.

History had it that Osei Tutu I strengthened the Asante military organization to be effective and efficient fighting unit and embarked on wars. In warfare, it was believed that he conquered and “incorporated the neighbouring states of Tafo, Amakom, and Ofinso into the empire then between 1699 and 1701 he defeated the overbearing Empire of Denkyira, reducing her and her allies to tributaries of Asante.”[2]  

After the death of Osei Tutu I in the Akim war in 1717, Opuku Ware I succeeded him. Opuku Ware I is also noted as a great warrior ruler who expanded Asante by conquering Denkyira, Akwapim, Akim, Sefwi, Bono-Tekyiman,Akwamu, the Ga-Adangbe states and Accra, Gonja and Dagomba.

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[1] Wikipedia. Shaka. [Online] Availale http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka, May 19, 2011

[2] Sherrif Garba. Foundation and Rise of the Asante Empire. [Online] Available http://www.suite101.com/content/foundation-and-rise-of-the-asante-empire-a327613#ixzz1L6InKOO6, May 19, 2011.