Ndlela kaSompisi (died February 1840) was a key general to Zulu Kings Shaka and Dingane.
However, Ndlela's failure to defeat the Boers under Andries Pretorius and a rebellion against Dingane led to his execution.
During the Ndwandwe–Zulu War Ndela distinguished himself by his fighting ability, performing "incredible deeds of destruction" on Shaka's enemies.
Thereafter his promotion is purely a question of merit, irrespective of the road (ndlela) he came by", referring to the most famous of his adopted soldiers.
[3] He served as Dingane's inDunankulu (chief adviser), Ndunankulu (Prime Minister) and uMkhuzi wamaButho kaZulu (Commander-In-Chief of the Zulu Army).
This resulted in a great loss for Dingane against his brother Mpande who had co-opted the Boers to fight on his side.