Umgungundlovu

uMgungundlovu was the great royal settlement of the Zulu king Dingane in the emaKhosini valley. Its many thatched huts enclosed a large open space, with the king's household at the far end and regimental quarters on either side. The royal isigodlo housed Dingane, his wives and their attendants, while nearby kwaMatiwane was a place of execution. The settlement stood beneath Singonyama hill, with streams on either side.

Dingane established his capital here shortly after taking power in 1828. Its military settlement brought royal authority and the regiments together in a single immense complex. The warriors of Ndlela and Dambuza, two of Dingane's commanders, occupied opposite sides of the entrance. In November 1837 the Voortrekker leader Piet Retief arrived to negotiate with Dingane at his court.