They started out as allies of Shaka as he founded the Zulu nation.
The Mandlakazi derived wealth not only from cattle but from an extensive trade network that extended from northern Zululand north and east to Delagoa Bay in Mozambique.
[1] The leader of the Mandlakazi was an inkosi (chief), and the position generally passed from father to son.
Ndaba was the first known Mandlakazi inkosi and he was followed by his son Jama, who was Shaka's grandfather.
In 1872 Zibhebhu kaMaphitha succeeded to inKosi of the Mandlakazi people.