Prince Cetshwayo secured his path to the Zulu throne through military victory over his brother, Prince Mbuyazi, at the 1856 Battle of Ndondakusuka, where approximately 20,000 supporters of his rival died. The succession dispute arose because neither prince held a clear claim to power, as King Mpande had not designated a Great Wife whose son would automatically inherit the kingdom. Prince Cetshwayo, born in 1826 to King Mpande and Queen Ngqumbazi, believed his father favored the younger Prince Mbuyazi despite his own seniority.
Historical debate surrounds Prince Mbuyazi's paternity, with some sources suggesting his mother, Queen Monase, was pregnant with King Shaka's child when she married King Mpande. Prince Cetshwayo eliminated remaining rivals by expelling his brother, uMthonga, in 1861 and ordering the execution of Queen Nomantshali with her children that same year, consolidating his control before ascending to the throne.
Historical debate surrounds Prince Mbuyazi's paternity, with some sources suggesting his mother, Queen Monase, was pregnant with King Shaka's child when she married King Mpande. Prince Cetshwayo eliminated remaining rivals by expelling his brother, uMthonga, in 1861 and ordering the execution of Queen Nomantshali with her children that same year, consolidating his control before ascending to the throne.
