From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Mfecane is an African expression used about chaos and disturbances. It probably means something like "the Crushing", and originates from the events leading to the rise to power of chief Shaka. This Zulu chief conquered the Nguni peoples between the Tugela and Pongola rivers in the beginning of the 19th century, and created a militaristic kingdom.
The creation of Swaziland and Lesotho were set up to escape his power.
