The Battle of Tugela, which was also known as the Battle of Ndondakusuka, was fought between Zulu factions of Cetewayo, eldest son of the Zulu chief Mpande, and his father's younger brother, Umbolazi also known as Mbulazi. This was one of the bloodiest battles ever fought on the southern tip of Africa. More than 5000 warriors, including Mbulazi, were killed and thousands more drowned in the Tugela River. The battle, which ended in favour of Chief Cetewayo, took place where Fort Tenedos stands today.
eventREF E-0010995Revised
2 December 1856
Conclusive Battle of Ndondakusuka takes place
- Updated
- 30 Nov 2020
How we know this
- 01Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau.
- 02Potgieter, D.J. et al. (eds)(1970). Standard Encyclopaedia of Southern Africa, Cape Town: NASOU, v. 2, p. 212.
- 03Potgieter, D.J. et al. (eds)(1971). Standard Encyclopaedia of Southern Africa, Cape Town: NASOU, v. 4, p. 659.
Last updated · 30 Nov 2020
South African History Online. (2011, March 16). Conclusive Battle of Ndondakusuka takes place. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0010995
South African History Online (2011) 'Conclusive Battle of Ndondakusuka takes place', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0010995 (Accessed: 9 November 2026).
South African History Online, Conclusive Battle of Ndondakusuka takes place [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0010995, (accessed 9 November 2026).
"Conclusive Battle of Ndondakusuka takes place." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0010995. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.
South African History Online. "Conclusive Battle of Ndondakusuka takes place." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0010995.
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