Shaka introduced a new spear, shield and knobkerrie (club). The new spear had a shorter handle and a longer blade. It was used for stabbing rather than throwing. The new shields were full body shields which were much more appropriate for hand-to-hand combat. The knobkerrie could be thrown if necessary.

The training regime was very strict. Shaka tolerated no weakness in his men. He drilled them vigorously, and forced them not to wear sandals. Even though this allowed the men to run faster it meant that they often got thorns stuck in their feet. To toughen their feet Shaka made them run on beds of thorns and any man that cried out in pain was killed.

Shaka invented a new battle technique known as the impondo zankomo or bull’s horns. The main body of the army (the head of the bull) would attack the enemy’s centre, while the ‘horns’ surrounded the enemy on either side.

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