The aftermath of the Battle of Gqokli Hill casts a sombre shadow over both the Zulu and Ndwandwe kingdoms. Episode 10 navigates grief, political manoeuvring, and personal sacrifice in the wake of the devastating conflict.
Zwide (Wiseman Mncube) returns to eGudunkomo, far from the triumphant leader he was when he left for battle. The kingdom is shattered by loss. His wife, Nkankane, mourns their son Nomahlanjana (Zamani Mbatha), while his daughter Ntombazana (Amanda Seome) grapples with the deaths of her five brothers. Zwide’s vision of a Ndwandwe confederacy, where his sons would rise as rulers, lies in ruins.
At KwaZulu, the human cost of war is equally stark. Liyana (Luyanda Zuma) grieves the loss of her little brother, Nyembezi. Fearing the wrath of Shaka (Lemogang Tsipa) for withholding Mthethwa forces, Mthethwa Regent Mondisa sends an emissary to KwaZulu with cattle and an excuse. Shaka, Ngomane and Mdlaka however, are not deceived. They begin plotting Mondisa’s removal and Mlandela of the Mthethwa secretly summons Shaka’s spymaster, Nongila, to expose the regent’s treachery.
At KwaBulawayo, a reconciliation unfolds between Shaka and his mother, Nandi (Nomzamo Mbatha). Nandi asserts she will never be sidelined, and Shaka apologizes, acknowledging her counsel. They agree while Mondisa is being dealt with, securing an alliance with the Qwabe is vital, a task only Nandi can undertake. Before she departs, Nomcoba reveals Liyana’s pregnancy. Knowing Shaka’s aversion to fatherhood, Nandi sends Nomcoba to counsel Liyana, planting the seeds for personal tragedy.
Nomo, desperate to claim the Qwabe throne denied him by Dingiswayo, begs to join Nandi’s delegation. Shaka refuses, knowing his presence will provoke Phakathwayo, the proud Qwabe leader. At eMthandeni, Nandi counters Phakathwayo’s initial demand for Zulu submission with a compelling offer: a share of the Ndwandwe trade routes in exchange for alliance. The proposal intrigues him. Meanwhile, Liyana confesses her pregnancy to Shaka. Initially cold, he softens explaining that he does not want a child and falling in love with Liyana will weaken him as a leader. In an act of tragic devotion, Liyana drinks an abortive portion, promising to leave once it takes effect.
Diplomacy collapses when Nomo defies Shaka, attempting to assassinate Phakathwayo. Nandi is captured under suspicion of aiding Nomo and Shaka is summoned. Facing Phakathwayo, Shaka publicly rebukes Nomo and makes a chilling choice that he will not intervene in Nomos punishment. In a brutal moment at the eMthandeni waterfall, Nomo is thrown to his death, leaving Mgobhozi and Ngcoboka stunned by Shaka’s ruthless resolve.
The episode returns to eGudunkomo, where Zwide’s grief has turned to rage. He imprisons Goloza for hiding visions of the princes’ deaths. Defiant, Goloza admits he lied to inflict suffering. In fury, Zwide drives his weapon into Goloza’s throat, leaving viewers with a grim question: will he survive?
Episode 10 blends political intrigue, personal loss, and a merciless display of Shaka’s resolve. The fragile peace of the region teeters as grief, betrayal, and ambition collide, leaving the audience gripping their seats.
Coming up in Episode 11
Shaka expands Zulu power with ruthless precision – submit or face war. A personal loss breaks his heart, but vengeance keeps Zwide as his target. Ntombazi prepares her darkest muthi yet.
Shaka iLembe season 2 is proudly sponsored by headline partner Telkom, associate partners Knorrox, Diageo and tactical partners Santam, Amka, Toyota, Spur, and Gordon’s Gin.
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Bongi Sikelo 
admin 